Preventing Embezzlement

Embezzlement occurs in practices more often than you might think. The following measures may help curb this problem:

  • Run background and credit checks before hiring an employee; 
  • Ensure that separate employees handle accounts receivable and accounts payable;
  • Require that all bank statements are be delivered to the physician unopened;
  • Review all cancelled checks, and look for unusual patterns such as dual endorsements or unfamiliar vendor names;
  • A physician should sign all checks in a small practice. In larger practices, two signatures should be required - one being that of a physician.

Do your business office policies and procedures include effective internal controls? Call on the experts at TMA Practice Consulting today for a complete billing and collections assessment. 

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Last Updated On

September 07, 2021

Originally Published On

March 23, 2010