Finding # 2021-002 – Misapplication of the Sliding Fee Scale
Response: Beginning in July of 2020 the Organization revised sliding fee scale audit criteria and procedures. The audit currently consists of 50 patients being audited against 16 criteria, and continues to be reported to the Board of Directors Quality Committee and the BOD on a monthly basis. The average monthly percentage performances in what will be FY22 and FY23, are 68% and 79% respectively, which is a positive trend over the FY21 audit figure of 67% (4/60). Considering that the bulk of the slide procedure is performed by entry level patient registration staff who have bore the brunt of patient challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic and who tend to take advantage of job mobility in a strong jobs market, turnover and training have impacted compliance. Upon review of the policy and procedure in 2023, it was determined that the BOD will be engaged to discuss lengthening the proof of income duration when providing paystubs, from 3 months to 12 months, which will standardize all forms of proof of income to be valid for 12 months. The intent is to simplify the process in terms of the ability of registration staff to understand and execute procedures in the midst of a busy patient-facing clinic setting. Upon revision to the policy, all policies, procedures, and training materials will be updated, and all current/new staff will be trained.
Responsible Party(s) Mark Groeller, Compliance Director
Lisa DeMallie, Associate Vice President of Patient Experience
Estimated Completion Date 12/31/23