Nevada Mental Health Facility Might Have Cost State $650,000 in Unclaimed Medicare Reimbursements
Legislative auditors told Nevada lawmakers on Dec. 14 that by failing to collect Medicare reimbursements, the Nevada Mental Health Institute might have cost the state $650,000 over the past five years, the AP/Las Vegas Sun reports. In addition, a review of 35 cases found an additional $4,500 in unbilled services, leading legislative auditor Gary Crews to project a possible loss of $400,000 to $500,000 over a one-year period. The audit also found that the institute may have undercharged patients for services. According to Mike Torvinen of the institute, the facility has "taken steps" to address the problems, such as revamping the billing department and requesting state funds to train Medicare billing agents (AP/Las Vegas Sun, 12/16).
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