Outpatient Facility Coding Alert - 2007 Issue 33
COMPLIANCE: 'Professional Courtesy' Could Cost Tens Of Thousands
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Article Overview
This article discusses the legal and compliance issues tied to professional courtesy in physician practices. It focuses on federal fraud-and-abuse concerns, Stark law-related restrictions, and the role of the HHS Office of Inspector General in assessing free or discounted care for physicians, their families, and staff. The piece is relevant to physicians, practice managers, compliance staff, and billing professionals who need to understand how courtesy arrangements can intersect with Medicare and other federal program rules.
Why This Topic Matters
Professional courtesy can create compliance risk when it involves federal health care program beneficiaries or is linked to referrals. Understanding the broad legal boundaries and policy expectations helps medical practices avoid potential penalties and billing problems.
What You Will Learn
- What professional courtesy means in a medical practice context
- Why federal fraud-and-abuse rules are relevant to courtesy arrangements
- How policy concerns can affect free or discounted care for physicians and their families
- What broad compliance issues practices should consider when setting courtesy policies
Who Should Read This
- Physicians
- Practice managers
- Medical office administrators
- Compliance officers
- Billing staff
- Healthcare attorneys
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