Which action by the billing and coding specialist prevents fraud?

• A. Performing periodic audits
• B. Submitting duplicate claims
• C. Falsifying information
• D. Overbilling

Answer: (A)

Strong internal controls in billing and coding hinge on regular, independent checks of claims and processes. Performing periodic audits acts as both a deterrent and a detector: it reviews claim submissions for coding accuracy, verifies that documentation supports the billed services, and flags anomalies or potential duplications. When audits happen regularly, there's a higher chance improper billing will be found and corrected, which helps prevent fraud from occurring in the first place. In contrast, actions like submitting duplicate claims, falsifying information, or overbilling are fraudulent by nature and violate regulations and ethics. The audits are the proactive safeguard that reduces these risks by promoting accuracy and accountability.