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Q
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 Can we lose our license for changing the date of a treatment within the cert period in the case that an eval was done that day? Patient was re-evaluated but you arrive for the visit as a PTA. You change the date for the next day. Is it unethical/can you even face action? Seems to be common practice.

A: Lisa Miliken – “You could trigger an investigation. Or if a surveyor found that error, they could fine the facility and withdraw the Medicare or 3rd party reimbursement. If you find an error like that, its always best practice to back out the charges yourself and resolve the situation to make it right. Always document for services for the actual day of treatment. Whether or not you face action will depend on the OIG auditor and the state or federal surveyer.I’ve seen it go both ways… If you prove you were honestly trying to do the most ethical thing, they may just fine the facility and watch to make sure it doesn’t happen again. But if they think you’re trying to cover something up, they may continue to investigate until they could take your license. I’ve also seen a lot of companies just fire the therapist in question.” Learn more about this, and other related topics in the course “Maintaining Ethics in the Healthcare Setting”.

About the author

Lisa Milliken, MA, CCC-SLP, FNAP, CDP

Lisa Milliken, MA, CCC-SLP, FNAP, CDP

Lisa Young Milliken, MA, CCC-SLP, FNAP, CDP has served as a practitioner, regional manager, vice president, consultant, compliance director and education specialist.  She has lectured at the state and national level with over 300 professional education courses on topics of importance to the healthcare professional.... Read More

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