Inflated diaper bills!? What to do if you suspect it.
I cannot verify the truth, but it happens. These things actually occur.
Both the amount and the timing are just too strange. It is a fact that suspicious incidents do exist in reality.
■ Family members need to keep a check
Since the judgment of the person receiving care is declining, family members need to keep a close watch. It is impossible for the family to handle everything, and you will have to rely on external services to some extent, but it is important not to leave everything entirely to them.
Now, for example, what kind of things might happen?
The bill for disposable diapers from the hospital has become two or three times higher than in previous months, even though the patient's condition should not have changed.
The dental clinic being visited shows no sign of finishing, even though the patient has been going many times.
I requested assistance with applying topical medication that I have on hand, but the billing for assistance continues indefinitely even though the medication should be running out soon.
And so on.
I don't know if it's really being used, if it's being inflated, or if it's just an administrative error.
I have the unit prices in writing, so I try to calculate them, but no matter how I look at it, it's too much.
What should you do in such a case?
Inflated billing is suspected, but there is also a possibility of a simple administrative error. You shouldn't be suspicious, but having tens of thousands of yen overcharged every month is just a loss.
■ One solution that family members can do immediately.
It's a simple story. That is to ask questions.
Honestly ask for the reason!!
Just call them and honestly ask for the reason as it is.
Diaper bill pattern
"I received the invoice and I'm calling because I have a question. The diaper bill is two or three times higher than in previous months. I don't think the person's condition has changed, so has there been any change in their status?"
Dental visit pattern
"About how many more visits will be needed?"
Pattern for external medications
I think the medication is running out soon, so how many more times can I get it?
There has never been a facility that continued to send bills several times higher or suspected inflated charges after I made this inquiry.
Therefore, while the reason is unknown, it likely means they were charging more than the actual usage.
You just need to ask a question like the one above.
Depending on the amount, I usually let the potentially inflated charges on the invoice I have in hand slide, but if the amount returns to normal the following month, I consider it acceptable.
If the amount is too large, I think I would request a detailed review of the breakdown and ask for corrections or a refund process.
However, things like this are part and parcel of caregiving life, and fighting them would just waste more of your time. I have treated one instance of an invoice in hand as a loss. It is not a 'favor,' but there is a possibility that letting it slide could be useful later.
■ I don't think there are any inherently bad people in nursing care and medicine
In my experience, I have never encountered anyone who would stick to a lie like a con artist. When asked, they would either give an inconsistent explanation or admit it and make corrections. That was how they responded.
Therefore,it is a matter of the family simply performing a 'fact check',that is all.
Someone in the nursing care industry once said to me,
There are fewer facilities that are doing things properly than you might think.
The idea that families aren't watching anyway, and thatit's fine as long as you don't get caught, is undeniably at the root of the industryI think... First of all, there are many troubles regardless of whether they are intentional or negligent due to labor shortages. Of course, there must be decent facilities out there as well.
And perhaps many thingsgo unnoticed and are left as isI think.
That is precisely why simply conveying the message that 'I am watching' seems to act as a deterrent.
■ 3 points for families to check
There are things families can do.
Do not leave everything to them.
Look at the documents carefully.
Confirm that the documents that should be handed to you have actually reached you.
Ask about any points that are unclear.
To avoid suffering actual losses, do not leave everything to others; simply verifying the obvious things as a matter of course can prevent many issues.
Let's handle this calmly and without getting discouraged!