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Malpractice Insurance

Friend or Fraud?

1/22/2012

1 Comment

 
—In discussing co-pays with a group of colleagues, one worker said that when a co-pay is very high (i.e. $50) and the client is obviously struggling with a very low income that she reduces the co-pay thereby taking less for herself. (There is no sliding scale option at our agency.)   —

However, when doing record-keeping she records the higher amount (which she didn't take and keeps the 'secret' amount between her and the client). The office still gets whatever insurance it should get for the session.

She is trying to do something "nice" for her client, but somehow it doesn't feel right.
1 Comment
Dr. D. link
8/24/2012 08:52:36 am

Frederic Reamer says that we get in the most trouble when we are trying to be altruistic! This example proves it. In trying to be altruistic, the person is actually participating in a type of fraud and deception. The Code of Ethics has several relevant standards:
3.05 Billing

Social workers should establish and maintain billing practices that accurately reflect the nature and extent of services provided and that identify who provided the service in the practice setting.
3.04 Client Records

(a) Social workers should take reasonable steps to ensure that documentation in records is accurate and reflects the services provided.

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