opinion

Protecting a practice against embezzlement and theft

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Posted Sept. 3, 2012.

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Surveys of medical practice staff have found that up to 80% said they had worked for at least one practice where an employee was embezzling money. Often, cash is taken away only a few dollars at a time, but after a while, the money adds up — and it can devastate a practice financially and emotionally.

American Medical News has covered the issue of physician practice embezzlement, with articles giving doctors practical advice on how to prevent theft and catch a staffer who might be stealing from the office.

Suspect embezzlement? Here's what to do

Calling the police is not the first thing physicians should do if they suspect embezzlement in their practices. Medical practice experts say doctors should track money going through the practice to make sure it's ending up in the right hands — and bring in the authorities only when they have evidence that is not happening. Read story

Should your practice use a credit report in hiring?

Many businesses are pulling credit reports on potential employees to identify those who they think might be most tempted to steal. But experts caution that physicians using such a strategy might get themselves into trouble. Read story

Why some practices stopped accepting patients' cash

Some physicians have come up with a novel way to reduce the risk of embezzlement — require patients to pay only by credit or debit card, or by check. Read story

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