Diverse Understanding Mental Health Counseling LLC is a startup behavioral health private practice in the city of Lawrence Massachusetts. The lead managing member has been in the business for just over ten years. When he approached me to assist him and his other two partners in setting up this practice I asked one very important question. " Why do you want to open a private practice? " His response was simple, " because there is a great need for Latino counselors and psychologist to offer a culturally responsive treatment to immigrants, their children and their family members, and right now there is a shortage of licensed practioners who are Latino." I then asked, " what do you attribute this shortage to?" Many counselors get the education and preparation but become comfortable in a clinical setting where the only thing they are responsible for is treating the patient." " their time to get their license passes and in order for them to get the license they must start from the begining because too much time has transpired." Therefore, the perspective of the very folks providing these services is that there aren't enough behavioral health practitioners in the field due to lack of motivation. Who wants a practitioner whose not willing to push the envelope to treat them? I know I don't. In fact, with waiting list at local clinics growing to number we can't imagine; patients who are wating up to six or more months to receive services, it is important to note that this is a crisis. The Merrimack Valley has a mental health crisis on its hands. PCC's in the area are eager to refer their patients to someone, but can't find anyone who is accepting new patients.
What are we to do about this? Well Mr. Pagan says, " the answer is simple assist practitioners in opening smaller practice that can be grown into clinics." Yet it is difficult because credentialing is a process that impedes the creation or formation of these practices by its very structure. It is also expensive if you are not wiling to engage in it yourself and hire a consultant to assist you with the process. Applying for as little as three insurance companies can cost you up to $5,000. In other words, if you apply for credentialing you must make an investment of up to $20,000 dollars or slightly more to setup the office, contract electronic billing and electronic health records, meet the credentialing guidelines which include having the office set up and Insured, have malpractive coverage of 1 milliom to 3 million, then submitting all documents, There are computer servers to purchase, telephones, and more.
Finally, you are putting all at the mercy of the insurance carriers credentialing board. They decide if you can bill their companies by insuring that all is in place and on the up and up. Moreover, a practitioner needs to apply to enough of the insurances carriers in the state to earn enough to justify his or her investment. This means long hours applying to insurance companies and completing applications. If you are willing to go through this then you can earn up to $150,000 in the first year. However, you must endur and be assertive and work long hours. Mr. Pagan, set up his office hours to include 24 hour coverage, 7 days a week, starting at 8:00am and seeing patients till 7:00pm. This is an eleven hour day five days a week. and weekend hours 8:00 to 3:00 Sat. and 9:00 to 1:00 Sundays. Also. he has entered into agreements with a couple of PCC's, who agree to send him their patients, a requirement from MBHP(Masshealth). In addition, he plans to be on-call 24 hours if needed to treat his patients.
Now let us say that if you are a "go getter" and can work at your practice and another clinic at the same time, meaning put in extra time at your own practice until you can get insurance credentialing approved. then and only then will you be successfull. It means long days and weekend work, Mr. Pagan has demonnstrated his desire to succeed by doing just this. On weekends and evenings he is at his practice seeing cash patients and holding meetings with community interest to get himself and his practice closer tobecoming a full fletched clinic. Of course this measns additional credentialing from DMH and DPH. Not to fear, it is possible. This brings practitioners into our vecinity who would never have known that LAwrence needed their skills.
Therefore, for those of you who are eager and have the drive and energy to start a practice, areas like the City of Lawrence, Worcester, Springfield, Boston, has a great demand for behavioral health practitioners who are bi-cultural, bilingual, and desire to work with needy populations offering Culturally Linguistically Appropiraite Services to patients who have been waiting for months on a waitning list to see a psychologist or counselor. If you would like more information about Mr. Pagan's project please call him at 978-476-9016 tell him you read this article and desire to learn more about how to setup a private mental health practice. We'll be expecting your call!
Written by Eduardo Lebron, MM, CHI
eduardo.lebron@northeastconsultinginterpreting.com
30 May, 2016
Credentialing in Healthcare is in Your Best Interest
More just over a year now NCI has been researching the process of credentialling for healthcare providers. It has been determined that it is a process that is difficult and tedious to perform. Furthermore, many in healthcare do not undergoe the process themselves allowing entities to perform it for them and placing themselves at the will of the entity. Working for them for a lower wage in many cases than they would earn by working for themselves. However, in order to work for yourself as a healthcare provider you must undergoe credentialing by insurance companies.
Yes, there are many healthcare providers that if they underwent credentialing on there own could free themselves from providing services through a clinic or hospital. Mental health counselors, psychologist amd many others could go and work for themselves and keep all the monies earned minus expenses for themselves. Example, a mental health coinselor can earn around $40k to $60k per year working for an agency or clinic. However, undergoing credentialing could generate an additional $40k after expenses in income for these professionals. A licensed psychologist can earn as much as $150k after expenses. An LICSW can earn $120K after expenses. I could share many more examples, but you get the point.
Working for clinics and hospitals has its place in life. However, if you want to maximize your earning throughout your career you must undergo your own credentialing and open you own practice in order to earn as much as you can in your life time. Otherwise, you are putting this money into the pockets of the corporations that own the hospitals and clinics and limit your own earning potantial.
So, if you are practicing in healthcare with a degree where you could provide services privately why not do so? Why give the best years of your life to a corporation? Why not put that money in your pocket, determine your own future, and provide the kind of services to your clients that they deserve. I'm certain you'll agree that only you have the power that make such a decision. With the cost of education rising, it only right that you earn as much as you can in order to pay back your education loans.
Yes, there are many healthcare providers that if they underwent credentialing on there own could free themselves from providing services through a clinic or hospital. Mental health counselors, psychologist amd many others could go and work for themselves and keep all the monies earned minus expenses for themselves. Example, a mental health coinselor can earn around $40k to $60k per year working for an agency or clinic. However, undergoing credentialing could generate an additional $40k after expenses in income for these professionals. A licensed psychologist can earn as much as $150k after expenses. An LICSW can earn $120K after expenses. I could share many more examples, but you get the point.
Working for clinics and hospitals has its place in life. However, if you want to maximize your earning throughout your career you must undergo your own credentialing and open you own practice in order to earn as much as you can in your life time. Otherwise, you are putting this money into the pockets of the corporations that own the hospitals and clinics and limit your own earning potantial.
So, if you are practicing in healthcare with a degree where you could provide services privately why not do so? Why give the best years of your life to a corporation? Why not put that money in your pocket, determine your own future, and provide the kind of services to your clients that they deserve. I'm certain you'll agree that only you have the power that make such a decision. With the cost of education rising, it only right that you earn as much as you can in order to pay back your education loans.
05 June, 2015
Background Checks: Best Practices....................
Background Checks:
Best Practices & Legal Compliance
Best Practices & Legal Compliance
After years of debate, the EEOC published controversial new guidance on employers' use of background-check policies and practices. Then, it used those guidelines to file a series of important lawsuits alleging violation of federal discrimination law.
Every employer needs to be in compliance.
Pepsi thought it was. The company believed it was using background checks in a nondiscriminatory way. But the EEOC saw things differently. The result: Pepsi paid $3.2 million to settle an EEOC race-bias charge. Kmart also thought it was in compliance, but it was hit with a class-action lawsuit alleging violations of background-check laws including the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act. The result: Kmart paid a $3 million settlement.
The list of well-reported companies continues to grow… will you be next?
Don't wait for a lawsuit or EEOC charge to make sure you're in compliance. It's vital — for your company and your career — to get in line now with the EEOC's Enforcement Guidance on the Consideration of Arrests and Conviction Records.
Employee Handbooks: Required Changes for 2015 and the 12 Most Common Mistakes
If your employee handbook hasn't been updated in the past six months, it's out of date. For example:
- Is your at-will statement an invitation to a massive NLRA lawsuit (based on the surprising NLRB ruling)?
- Do you realize that you can't prohibit discussions on pay and benefits?
- Have you provided clear rules on overtime and off-the-clock work?
- Have you updated your FMLA policy to reflect same-sex marriage couples' rights to FMLA leave? Do you know which same-sex marriages are considered valid?
- Have you changed your handbook to reflect the latest DOL rules on nursing mothers?
- Have you updated your leave policies to include time off for employees with relatives in the military … or to prohibit moonlighting while on FMLA leave?
- Have you changed your ADA reasonable accommodations policy to include accommodating pregnant employees?
- Do you have a loyalty, no-gossip or civility statement that could land you in court?
Your employee handbook can be an invaluable organizational tool … or an employment lawsuit waiting to happen. And in recent years, Congress and state legislatures have been busy enacting laws that directly affect your employee handbook. If you haven't kept up, you could find yourself in court.
26 May, 2015
Northeast Consulting and Interpreting LLC Service RFequest Email
Northeast Consulting and Interpreting would like to reach out to its clients to inform them that we now have the ability to receive your request directly to an email address that is managed by a customer care specialist. The CCS will handle all communitcation and contact the client via telephone or email to gather information on your request. Then your request will be forwarded to the appropriate department for processing. You will then receive a confirmation email with the name of the interpreter or consultant that will handle your request.
Northeast Consulting is making it easier to submit your request and schedule your appointments. We are hopeful that you will see an improvement in response time to your needs. We are making other changes in the near future that we feel our customers will like. Thank you for your business.
The email is
| servicerequest@northeastconsultinginterpretingllc.com |
24 April, 2015
Interpreters Must Develop a Network of Providers and Entry Strategy to Succeed
In the field of Medical, Legal, and Community Interpreting it is difficult to meet potential clients. Thus, it is imperative that interpreters join professional organizations and attend conferences in addition to professional development courses. It is through these mediums that they will begin to establish a network of potential clients.
Many interpreters upon completing an interpreter training believe that the way for them to attain a good paying interpreter position is to begin working as a per diem interpreter then move onto a more permanent position within that organization. However, this is the furthest thing from the truth. The trajectory of your professional career can start there. However, it is important that you not think or even believe that an opportunity for a permanent position will come in short or even long order. That's right, once you begin to work as a per diem you will most likely continue to work as a per diem. The per diem interpreter is the void filler for the permanent staff, who in most cases will never leave their jobs so easily.
Once you complete the interpreter training your best option may be to take a per diem position. This will help you to establish a reputation and build up your skill level. More over, it will allow you to get to know the industry and begin to build a network. But, don't put all your eggs in one basket. Use this position to gain national certification and membership into a professional interpreter organization, such as, the International Medical Interpreters Association or National Association of Court Interpreters or the many organizations promoting professional interpreters. All are good and will provide you with resources and training. After this, attempt to begin to put together a list of potential clients to contact and interpreters which you can hire in the future.
Now, you can start to investigate which organizations pay the best for Interpreters and reach out to them for employment. This will further your career and allow you to gain exposure. It is this way that you will be able to begin to earn a living wage in this field. Couple your other skills with these so that you can expand your market and clientele. Interpreting alone will not be sufficient to earn a living wage you must use your translation skills, as well as, your HR, Management, Training, Computer, and any number of skills you may have. For example, we have found that we could use my consulting and training skills to earn just as much if not more than I could as an Interpreter. Please keep this in mind.
Your next step in the process might be to formalize the business into an entity that will carry some legitimacy. Freelance interpreter does not bare the same legitimacy as Corporation, Limited Liability Partnership or Limited Liability Company. Also, forming one of these will gain you additional tax credits that you don't receive as a freelancer. Give this some consideration as it will gain attention rapidly and you must be in a position to move fast and hire additional help.
In addition, you must determine your rates, marketing strategy, and management system for your organization. You may even require some assistance setting things up. If you do, don't guess, consult a professional to assist you. Moreover, look for ways to promote your business that will not cost a fortune. Piggy back with another company or companies to lower these cost and gain reputation. The better known the other organization are the greater your probability of gaining new sources of revenue. We find that many of our small businesses require some assistance with the operational aspects of the business. Once setup properly things tend to go smoothly.
Finally, always look for ways to improve your delivery of services and try not to have enormous margins. Calculate your expenses for each assignment and add these to your hourly charge. The average interpreter organization charges between $125 - $225 per hour and pays the interpreter between $25.00 to $60.00 per hour. Remember you are competing against these much bigger organizations and if you can beat them on pricing and provide great service you can really make your mark in this industry. Also, you will still have room for growth. In addition, consult with someone who has been in business for a while to gain valuable knowledge. Don't forget that working for yourself is always better than working for someone else. We have found that doing both at the onset of your business venture works well. You may even partner on joint projects with other organizations. This strategy allows you to build ongoing and lasting relationships and will serve you well.
Many interpreters upon completing an interpreter training believe that the way for them to attain a good paying interpreter position is to begin working as a per diem interpreter then move onto a more permanent position within that organization. However, this is the furthest thing from the truth. The trajectory of your professional career can start there. However, it is important that you not think or even believe that an opportunity for a permanent position will come in short or even long order. That's right, once you begin to work as a per diem you will most likely continue to work as a per diem. The per diem interpreter is the void filler for the permanent staff, who in most cases will never leave their jobs so easily.
Once you complete the interpreter training your best option may be to take a per diem position. This will help you to establish a reputation and build up your skill level. More over, it will allow you to get to know the industry and begin to build a network. But, don't put all your eggs in one basket. Use this position to gain national certification and membership into a professional interpreter organization, such as, the International Medical Interpreters Association or National Association of Court Interpreters or the many organizations promoting professional interpreters. All are good and will provide you with resources and training. After this, attempt to begin to put together a list of potential clients to contact and interpreters which you can hire in the future.
Now, you can start to investigate which organizations pay the best for Interpreters and reach out to them for employment. This will further your career and allow you to gain exposure. It is this way that you will be able to begin to earn a living wage in this field. Couple your other skills with these so that you can expand your market and clientele. Interpreting alone will not be sufficient to earn a living wage you must use your translation skills, as well as, your HR, Management, Training, Computer, and any number of skills you may have. For example, we have found that we could use my consulting and training skills to earn just as much if not more than I could as an Interpreter. Please keep this in mind.
Your next step in the process might be to formalize the business into an entity that will carry some legitimacy. Freelance interpreter does not bare the same legitimacy as Corporation, Limited Liability Partnership or Limited Liability Company. Also, forming one of these will gain you additional tax credits that you don't receive as a freelancer. Give this some consideration as it will gain attention rapidly and you must be in a position to move fast and hire additional help.
In addition, you must determine your rates, marketing strategy, and management system for your organization. You may even require some assistance setting things up. If you do, don't guess, consult a professional to assist you. Moreover, look for ways to promote your business that will not cost a fortune. Piggy back with another company or companies to lower these cost and gain reputation. The better known the other organization are the greater your probability of gaining new sources of revenue. We find that many of our small businesses require some assistance with the operational aspects of the business. Once setup properly things tend to go smoothly.
Finally, always look for ways to improve your delivery of services and try not to have enormous margins. Calculate your expenses for each assignment and add these to your hourly charge. The average interpreter organization charges between $125 - $225 per hour and pays the interpreter between $25.00 to $60.00 per hour. Remember you are competing against these much bigger organizations and if you can beat them on pricing and provide great service you can really make your mark in this industry. Also, you will still have room for growth. In addition, consult with someone who has been in business for a while to gain valuable knowledge. Don't forget that working for yourself is always better than working for someone else. We have found that doing both at the onset of your business venture works well. You may even partner on joint projects with other organizations. This strategy allows you to build ongoing and lasting relationships and will serve you well.
04 March, 2015
Interpreters Videos
So as you be begin to train as an interpreter you want to bare in mind that there are many resources at your disposal to assist you in the process. One of the best resources is YouTube. YouTube has the largest variety of training videos. If you are a visual and audio learner you will find these resources to be extremely valuable to you. In fact you will find that even in the training classroom videos are used to reinforce concepts, ethics, and even mode of interpreting. Also, you can find videos on vocabulary, terminology, body systems and more.
We would like to provide you with just a few links for you to view. You will find many other links along with these as you conduct your own search. Please enjoy the links.
We would like to provide you with just a few links for you to view. You will find many other links along with these as you conduct your own search. Please enjoy the links.
Interpreter Training in the North Shore Massachusetts.
Interpreter job prospects in the United States is growing due to the large influx of ethnic minorities that have arrived here in recent years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that by 2020 there will be an estimated 70,000 interpreter positions in the US. The Census Bureau estimates that by 2050 ethnic minorities will comprise 52% of the US population.
So now is a good time to become an interpreter in the US. You can become a legal Interpreter or a Medical Interpreter or both. Also, you can gain education on translation Community interpreting and more. Northeast Consulting would like to inform our readers of a reputable Medical Interpreter Training being provided in the City of Lawrence Massachusetts by Merrimack Valley AHEC. If you are willing to travel a short distance for this training, then we can assure you that this is money well spent. This training will provide you with the basic skills to enter this rapidly growing field. Medical interpreters earn between $18.00 and $60.00 dollars per hour. I have provided the information below.
So now is a good time to become an interpreter in the US. You can become a legal Interpreter or a Medical Interpreter or both. Also, you can gain education on translation Community interpreting and more. Northeast Consulting would like to inform our readers of a reputable Medical Interpreter Training being provided in the City of Lawrence Massachusetts by Merrimack Valley AHEC. If you are willing to travel a short distance for this training, then we can assure you that this is money well spent. This training will provide you with the basic skills to enter this rapidly growing field. Medical interpreters earn between $18.00 and $60.00 dollars per hour. I have provided the information below.
25 February, 2015
TAX SEASON COMMENTS
Tax season is upon us and as business owners we must research, then make decisions based on our findings. It is very difficult to research all of the questions you may have related to taxes. However, don't give up. The IRS has a website with all kinds of information regarding properly filing your taxes. You can even print the booklets and forms you may need to educate yourself. So use this incredible resource.
However, lets say that you cannot find the answer to your tax questions. What do you do? Well, you can call the IRS at 800-829-1040 and ask an IRS employee for the answer to your question. Lets say that you called the IRS and could not get through, what do you do then? You can schedule your call for later in the day, say after 5:00 pm or early the next morning, 8:00 am.
If all fails you can do as I did. I remember having met a CPA during my visit to a seminar at the Boston Public Library, she gave me her business card. So I decided to contact he and see if for a small fee or even free, she could assist me by answering my questions. What's the worse that could happen? She would say no, or have you meet with her for a fee. Either way, you will get the answer from a pro who knows all the rules or can get the answer.
Tax season can be a very frustrating and challenging time. We must be able to sort through it and get our taxes completed and at the same time understand the process. So, get yourself the help you need with your taxes. Contact the IRS directly or if this is not feasible, contact a tax pro and ask for assistance. You cannot go wrong when you do your research and ask the right professionals for help. Happy Tax Season!
However, lets say that you cannot find the answer to your tax questions. What do you do? Well, you can call the IRS at 800-829-1040 and ask an IRS employee for the answer to your question. Lets say that you called the IRS and could not get through, what do you do then? You can schedule your call for later in the day, say after 5:00 pm or early the next morning, 8:00 am.
If all fails you can do as I did. I remember having met a CPA during my visit to a seminar at the Boston Public Library, she gave me her business card. So I decided to contact he and see if for a small fee or even free, she could assist me by answering my questions. What's the worse that could happen? She would say no, or have you meet with her for a fee. Either way, you will get the answer from a pro who knows all the rules or can get the answer.
Tax season can be a very frustrating and challenging time. We must be able to sort through it and get our taxes completed and at the same time understand the process. So, get yourself the help you need with your taxes. Contact the IRS directly or if this is not feasible, contact a tax pro and ask for assistance. You cannot go wrong when you do your research and ask the right professionals for help. Happy Tax Season!
21 January, 2015
California Announces CCHI Certified Healthcare Interpreters Gain Recognition in Workers’ Compensation System
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)