Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is there so much confusion?
In response to market pressures that focus primarily on pricing, transcription vendors have utilized ambiguous billing unit counting methods to make it appear that their billing rate is lower. In reality, the rates may be comparable to or higher than a competitors' rates.
- Are you saying a standard isn't necessary?
Not at all; I believe standards are necessary. The purpose of VerifiableBilling.com and the consulting services offered by ACT is to educate those contracting with outsourced transcription services to understand that:
- the VBC is not a standard; it has not undergone the rigorous process required for standards setting;
- a standard is not the same thing as verifiable or that standards can't be manipulated.
The decision to adopt a standard should be an informed one, based on objective information. I have no bias against the VBC; however, I don't feel the white paper is completely objective in its presentation or conclusions, nor has it undergone the process required for true standard setting.
- Should I expect to pay more for VBC characters than I would pay for characters measured by other metrics?
We suggest you review the breakdown. The simple answer is yes.