Finding 589306 (2022-002)

#2022-002 ? Misapplication of the Sliding Fee Scale (repeat finding), AL #93.224 and AL #93.527 Condition: The center did not properly follow its sliding fee scale policy and procedures for patients that applied for a sliding fee discount and did not properly maintain documentation to support qualifications and the sliding fee discount received. Criteria: The Health Center Program Compliance Manual requires a health center to have operating procedures for assessing and re-assessing all patients for income and family size consistent with approved sliding fee discount program policies. Effect: No material noncompliance or questioned costs were noted in the period under audit. Context: Our testing detected 11 out of 60 patients selected for testing either did not have proper documentation to support their qualification of the sliding fee discount received or received an incorrect discount. Cause: Inconsistent application of the policies and procedures approved by the Center. Recommendation: We recommend the Center review its current policies and procedures and continue to provide training to all staff members handling the sliding fee scale assessments to ensure assessments are performed in accordance with policy. Management?s Response to Finding: