Columbus – One hundred percent of psychotherapy services provided by Valko and Associates were improperly billed to the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) from 2009 through 2011, according to an examination released today by Auditor of State Dave Yost. With interest in the amount of $4,147.27, Valko and Associates owes ODM $50,081.24.

“Dr. Valko claimed he was unaware of certain Medicaid billing requirements,” Auditor Yost said. “How can a professional not know you have to have a treatment plan?”

None of the 241 psychotherapy services tested during the period had a valid treatment plan required by law, resulting in a 100 percent overpayment – totaling $31,973.61. In addition to the lack of treatment plans, auditors identified the following significant non-compliance issues:

• 101 services rendered by a non-physician without required supervision; and
• 76 services rendered by a psychologist or non-physician, but billed as physician services.  

A separate test of 303 evaluation and management services identified 54 services without proper documentation, resulting in an overpayment of $13,960.36.   

The provider’s response stated that a consultant has since been hired to assist with the immediate implementation of the Auditor of State’s recommendations.

A full copy of this examination may be accessed 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 5,800 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.

Contact:
Brittany Halpin
Press Secretary
614-644-1111