Columbus — Failure to document services cost Toledo-based psychiatrist Bhupinder S. Chahal, M.D. (Lucas County) $24,000 in Ohio Medicaid charge-backs, according to an audit released today by Auditor of State Dave Yost.

“A private business may follow any recordkeeping practices it chooses,” Auditor Yost said. “But when public funds are involved, then documentation must meet state and federal standards. Document the service, according to the rules, or expect not to be paid for it.”

The charge-backs amounted to about 13 percent of the doctor’s relevant billings, $155,832. Examination of records showed 30 errors in 65 services, and no supporting documentation for 29 out of 116 visits. Auditors calculated overpayment in the amount of $20,444.38. With interest, $23,764.77 is owed to Ohio Medicaid.

Medicaid providers must bill the appropriate type of visit by the attending physician treating a psychiatric patient, including exchanges with nursing or other medical personnel. Although services were billed, records were inadequate under applicable regulations to document that services were provided.

The Auditor of State’s office performs audits of Medicaid providers to ensure compliance with reimbursement rules and to confirm that services billed to Ohio Medicaid are properly documented and consistent with professional standards of care, medical necessity, and sound fiscal, business, or medical practices.

A full copy of this audit can be found online.

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The Auditor of State’s office, one of five independently elected statewide offices in Ohio, is responsible for auditing more than 5,600 state and local government agencies.  Under the direction of Auditor Dave Yost, the office also provides financial services to local governments, investigates and prevents fraud in public agencies and promotes transparency in government.

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Carrie Bartunek
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