Controls have been strengthened to ensure that the front desk accurately enters applicants’ income and family size into the ECW system when determining eligibility for the sliding fee schedule. A member of the Finance Department is reviewing all sliding fee applications. These policies and procedure...
Controls have been strengthened to ensure that the front desk accurately enters applicants’ income and family size into the ECW system when determining eligibility for the sliding fee schedule. A member of the Finance Department is reviewing all sliding fee applications. These policies and procedures have been implemented to improve accuracy and compliance. Policy 01-03-029 – Sliding Fee Audit Policy was implemented on June 1, 2025. This policy includes the following: The Compliance Officer conducts a monthly audit, with audit results submitted to the Risk Manager on a quarterly basis. The Front Desk Trainer provides additional training to any employee who receives a failing score on an audit. This training is documented and signed off by the employee, the Front Desk Trainer, and the employee’s supervisor. Disciplinary actions are as follows: 1. First occurrence – One-on-one training 2. Second occurrence – Verbal warning and additional training 3. Third occurrence – Written warning 4. Fourth occurrence – Up to and including termination Mandatory training was conducted on January 14th and 15th and included all site managers, operations managers, the CFO, and the COO. Additional Controls Implemented: Effective July 1, 2025, all sliding fee applications are reviewed by a member of the Finance Department. The front desk is required to make any corrections or changes identified during the finance review. In addition, a task force has been formed to ensure appropriate follow-up is completed and to identify new opportunities to improve accuracy and compliance for all sliding fee patients. The front desk has also been provided with an Excel-based tool to assist with accurately entering patient income.