by Christine Woolstenhulme, QMC QCC CMCS CPC CMRS
Aug 29th, 2017
The OIG sent out an early alert in an effort to create awareness to potential abuse or neglect of Medicare Beneficiaries in skilled nursing facilities. The OIG identified 134 Medicare beneficiaries whose injuries may have been the result of potential abuse or neglect. The beneficiaries reported were treated at the hospital, but the OIG has an ongoing investigation, due to the fact that there are incidents that may not be reported. The findings from the identified incidents gave results that a significant percentage of these injuries were not reported to law enforcement.
There are many types of abuse to watch for, such as physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, neglect or abandonment, and financial exploitation. If you suspect any elderly person may be at risk, report it right away.
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About Christine Woolstenhulme, QMC QCC CMCS CPC CMRS
Christine Woolstenhulme, CPC, QCC, CMCS, CMRS, is a Certified coder and Medical Biller currently employed with Find-A-Code. Bringing over 30 years of insight, business knowledge, and innovation to the healthcare industry. Establishing a successful Medical Billing Company from 1994 to 2015, during this time, Christine has had the opportunity to learn all aspects of revenue cycle management while working with independent practitioners and in clinic settings. Christine was a VAR for AltaPoint EHR software sales, along with management positions and medical practice consulting. Understanding the complete patient engagement cycle and developing efficient processes to coordinate teams ensuring best practice standards in healthcare. Working with payers on coding and interpreting ACA policies according to state benchmarks and insurance filings and implementing company procedures and policies to coordinate teams and payer benefits.
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