What action should a billing and coding specialist take after observing an unethical act performed by a colleague?

Reporting the incident to a supervisor is the appropriate action for a billing and coding specialist to take after observing an unethical act performed by a colleague. This step is crucial because it ensures that the issue is addressed at a higher level within the organization, allowing for proper investigation and resolution. It also upholds the integrity of the healthcare system, which is vital in maintaining trust among patients, providers, and healthcare organizations.

Allowing unethical behavior to go unreported can lead to greater issues, such as compromised patient care, violations of regulations, and potential legal consequences for both individuals involved and the institution. By reporting the incident, the specialist also protects themselves from any possible complicit involvement and demonstrates their commitment to ethical standards in their profession.

While consulting with the colleague directly may seem like a viable option, it may not be effective in addressing the unethical behavior and could potentially put the specialist in a compromising position. Ignoring the situation could perpetuate unethical practices and undermine the integrity of the workplace. Documenting the incident for personal records might be useful for reference, but it does not actively contribute to solving the problem or preventing future occurrences. Therefore, reporting to a supervisor is the most responsible and proactive choice.