Wiki Downcoding - As a coder

[Lynda Wetter]

As a coder if I am asked to downcode a record to give the patient a break that is fraud, correct?
If I understand correctly. We would bill the correct code and if the patient cannot pay the balance we can then offer a credit/adjustment as a courtesy, correct?

 

[akj]

Down coding is just as bad as upcoding. If you are a Medicare provider, they can 'drop' you as a par provider for this. You need to code the service provided as it is documented. Does your office have a policy for charity care in place?