Finding 1163241 (2024-002)

Health Center Program Cluster Assistance Listing Numbers 93.224 and 93.527 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Center Cluster – Award Identifying No. H80CS00139 Northeast Valley Health Corporation Criteria or Specific Requirement – Special Tests and Provisions: Sliding Fee Discounts (42 USC 254(k)(3)(g); 42 CFR sections 51c.303(g); and 42 CFR sections 56.303(f)) Condition – Sliding fee discounts applied to patient charges were inconsistent with the Organization’s sliding fee discount policy. Cause – The Organization did not comply with their sliding fee policy. Effect – Sliding fee discounts were given to patients that were inconsistent with the Organization’s sliding fee discount policy. Questioned costs – None Context – A sample of 25 encounters were tested out of the total population of 148,394 encounters. The sampling methodology used is not and is not intended to be statistically valid. Four patients received a sliding fee adjustment that was inconsistent with the approved policy based on their income documentation. Identification as a repeat finding – Not a repeat finding. Recommendation – It is recommended that management continue to ensure all personnel understand the sliding fee scale policy and adhere to the requirements and guidelines set forth in the policy. Procedures should be implemented to ensure that eligible patients receive discounts in accordance with the sliding fee scale and the Health Center Program Compliance Manual.