Submitting a claim at a higher level of service than rendered (up-coding) is an example of

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

Answer: (B)

Upcoding is submitting a claim for a higher level of service than what was actually provided, which is a deliberate misrepresentation to obtain more money from a payer. That intentional deception is the defining feature of fraud, since it seeks an improper financial gain through false information. A clerical error would be an unintentional mistake, not a calculated attempt to overbill. A permissible billing practice would require accurate coding of services actually performed. Abuse involves improper billing patterns that may be unethical or inconsistent with professional standards, but upcoding specifically centers on the intent to defraud, making fraud the best fit.