A coder discovers a colleague routinely assigning unsupported MCC codes to inflate MS-DRG payments. What does ethical practice expect?
Select an answer to reveal the explanation.
Short Explanation
Seeing systematic unsupported MCCs and staying quiet helps the problem grow. Ethical standards expect you to report misconduct through the right compliance channels. Protect the data—and the patients behind it—by escalating properly.
Full Explanation
AHIMA Standards of Ethical Coding expect professionals to report unethical coding practices through designated organizational channels such as compliance or integrity programs. Peer silence enables fraud risk and data corruption. Reporting should follow facility policy rather than informal public confrontation or imitation of improper practices.