Thursday, March 24, 2016
Staff report
COLUMBUS
Summit Academy-Youngstown billed for services for students who were absent or not even enrolled on the dates of service, according to a Medicaid audit released by the state auditor’s office.
“How do you provide services to students who aren’t even enrolled at the school?” Auditor Dave Yost said. “You don’t. This is an old-school rip-off.”
The audit determined that the charter school was overpaid by Ohio Medicaid for services rendered between July 1, 2011, and June 30, 2013, for nearly $14,664. With $1,012 interest, Summit Academy owes the Ohio Department of Medicaid $15,675.
The school referred questions to Summit Academy Management in Montrose. A receptionist at the management company said the company had no comment.
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.
Read more about the case in Friday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.