In a recent American Journal of Managed Care article – Mental Health Fraud Exacts High Human and Financial Costs – Andria Jacobs, COO of PCG Software, shares that the U.S. loses up to $20 billion a year to fraudulent practices in the mental health sector. The HHS Office of Inspector General and partners are making some progress cracking down, especially where patients suffer harm. Some of the worst cases, however, continue to occur in partial hospitalization programs, involving intense outpatient psychiatric care in ambulatory departments of hospitals or Community Mental Health Centers, some of which bill for mental health services but instead provide, at best, recreational adult day care. Andria goes on to suggest some important measures for organizations to employ to stamp out fraud. (Andria Jacobs, Orange County)
To read the full article visit abl.org
