Tax Returns, Medical Data Transcription Being Outsourced
Two articles published in the San Francisco Chronicle concern the growing practice of American companies "offshoring" personal information to India and other countries for processing. In the first, David Lazarus reports that a Pakistani clerk threatened to reveal individuals' medical information unless she was paid more money. The clerk was eventually paid and later promised not to disseminate any personal information.
The American Association for Medical Transcription estimates that 10 percent of all U.S. medical transcription work is done overseas.
In the second story, Lazarus reports that tax returns are being sent offshore for processing. Some US accountants are scanning in tax records, and transmitting them to tax preparers in India.
A tough lesson on medical privacy/Pakistani transcriber threatens UCSF over back pay
David Lazarus, San Francisco Chronicle, October 22, 2003.
Privacy takes a backseat, David Lazarus, San Francisco Chronicle, October 24, 2003.
