Altering claim forms to obtain a higher payment is an example of

• A. An example of fraud
• B. An example of abuse
• C. A permissible billing practice
• D. A clerical error

Answer: (A)

Intentional misrepresentation on a claim to obtain more payment is fraud. When someone alters claim forms to swap in higher charges or to reflect services not actually provided, the act is designed to deceive a payer for financial gain, which is the defining characteristic of fraud in healthcare compliance. Abnormal or excessive billing that lacks intent to defraud falls under abuse, but the deliberate manipulation of claims to receive more money clearly demonstrates intentional deception. A clerical error would be unintentional and not planned to mislead, and a permissible billing practice would require accurate, authorized charges. Therefore, the behavior described is fraud.