Columbus – Summit Academy - Youngstown (Mahoning County) billed for services for students who were absent or not even enrolled on the dates of service, according to a Medicaid audit released today by Auditor of State Dave Yost. 

“How do you provide services to students who aren’t even enrolled at the school?” Auditor Yost said. “You don’t. This is an old-school rip-off.” 

The audit determined that Summit Academy - Youngstown was overpaid by Ohio Medicaid for services rendered between July 1, 2011 and June 30, 2013 in the amount of $14,663.59. With interest in the amount of $1,011.89, Summit Academy - Youngstown owes the Ohio Department of Medicaid $15,675.48.

Auditors reviewed attendance records and determined that recipients listed for 14 billed services were absent or not enrolled on the dates of service. In 13 of those instances, the provider had service documentation that included a start time, end time and a detailed note. The audit also identified nine services with no supporting documentation and three services in which the provider billed the wrong procedure code, resulting in an overpayment.

The audit also examined Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), which are required for recipients of special education services, and found the following errors:

• 22 services in which the provider billed for more units than were authorized in the IEPs;
• 2 services that were not authorized in an IEP; and
• 3 services with no IEPs to cover the dates of service.

In addition, the provider did not submit proof that a speech-language pathologist, who had a conditional license, practiced under the supervision of a fully-licensed speech-language pathologist. Auditors concluded that 43 services rendered by the pathologist with a conditional license were noncompliant. 

Auditors also determined that one of the provider’s practitioners failed to complete a background check and three practitioners rendered services before completing their background checks. As a result, auditors concluded that 38 services rendered by the practitioners were noncompliant.

A full copy of this report may be accessed online.

###

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:
Carrie Bartunek
Director of Communications
614-644-1111