The Biggest Expose in Recent times !
The healthcare industry is in the news once again. But this time, forentirely the wrong reasons. Medicare fraud has always been discussed about in hushed whispers. The lack of concrete evidence and mutual finger pointing ensured that allegations and counter allegations, soon faded into oblivion.
A 430 Million Dollar Scam.
We repeatedly hear of doctors being brought to book for billing errors. But more often than not it turns out to be miscommunication between the patient and doctor or not following revised guidelines. The recent expose that indicts over 90 physicians for submitting fraudulent bills and cheating medicare of four hundred and thirty dollars reveals a much darker story.
Higher Healthcare Costs…
It is coordinated frauds like this that hike up the average patient’s bill, medico-legal experts allege. But the biggest fallout of this scam could be that physicians who make genuine mistakes with their bill could face more stringent action. Not to speak of the loss of faith and belief, of the public.
Steering Clear of the Muck.
Physicians will have to ensure that every claim sent out is thoroughly scrubbed and “clean”. A scam of this magnitude is certainly going to put everybody else in the scanner. And as skeletons keep tumbling out of the closet, the dust is not going to settle down anytime soon. Medical practices will have to be fully aware of, and pay close attention to the billing process.
The Man in the Mirror…
Like the cult song, nothing much is going to change if the man in the mirror refuses to change. No healthcare reform, billing audit or screaming headline is going to bring about a better and safer healthcare environment, unless physicians take it upon themselves to ensure their medical practice bills the right way ! Or call up their physician billing company to ensure that they’re following all billing regulations.
