El Dorado County Grand Jury
2003-2004
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Findings & Recommendations
12 findings
F1:
Rejected/Denied Medicare bills were improperly sent to patients. Additional effort was required by county employees to resolve disputes between Medicare Insurance and ABS.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
The County contract with cable TV signal providers should contain requirements for uniform basic services to all the communities it serves. The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors, is required by Penal Code 933 and 933.05 to respond to all Findings and Recommendations contained within this report. See page vi for the proper method for responding to Findings and Recommendations. South Tahoe Redevelopment Agency Reason for the report The 2003/2004 Grand Jury chose to investigate the of South Tahoe Redevelopment Agency (STRDA), specifically the announced $7,000,000 deficit in funding of the Park Avenue Project. Scope of investigation People interviewed See attached investigation report, , ”Investigation Methodology”. • Documents reviewed See attached investigation report, , “Materials Reviewed”. •
F2:
ABS was requesting payments from patients through County Counsel even though the Medicare disputes were not resolved.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future, with a timeframe for implementation.
F3:
A number of these disputed bills are not being resolved properly and patients are being billed.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3:
The recommendation requires further analysis. If a person or entity reports in this manner, the law requires a detailed explanation of the analysis or study and timeframe not to exceed six months. In this event, the analysis or study must be submitted to the officer, director or governing body of the agency being investigated.
F4:
Different billing terminology between Medicare and ABS caused confusion among patients. These differences caused difficulty when patients called Medicare to resolve the disputes.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4:
The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation therefore. Time To Respond, Where And To Whom To Respond Depending on the type of Respondent, Penal Code Section 933.05 provides for two different response times and to whom you must respond:
F5:
Lack of written policies and procedures in ABS resulted in improper handling of ambulance transport claims.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5:
ABS employees must be trained on the coding of Medicare bills and on the County’s written policies and procedures. The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors, coordinating with the above mentioned agencies, is required by Penal Code 933 and 933.05 to respond to all Findings and Recommendations contained within this report. See page vi for the proper method to respond to Findings and Recommendations. Child Protective Services Reason for the report The 2003/2004 Grand Jury received a complaint about inconsistent application of policies and procedures in Child Protective Services (CPS) and decided to review the 2001/2002 Health and Social Services Committee report. As a result of this review a general investigation of CPS was made. Scope of the investigation People interviewed Auditor-Controller • • Chairman of the 2001/2002 Grand Jury Health and Social Services Committee CPS Program Managers • CPS Supervisor • Current and former CPS employees • Department of Social Services Accountant • Director, Department of Human Services • El Dorado County Judicial Commissioner • Former acting Director of Human Resources • Former Assistant Director, Department of Social Services • Former Director, Department of Social Services • Documents reviewed 2001/2002 Grand Jury report • CPS manual • Sites visited CPS, Placerville • CPS, South Lake Tahoe •
F6:
Lack of training resulted in improper coding on Medicare forms.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6:
Provide additional ventilation for the animal runs to dry more quickly.
F7:
There are no facilities for larger animals, such as horses, goats, etc.
Related Recommendations (1)
R7:
Additional facilities are needed for larger animals. ASSESSORS OFFICE, PLACERVILLE
F8:
There is no handrail.
Related Recommendations (1)
R8:
Install additional overhead lighting in the parking lot.
F9:
Although three large lights shine on the stairs, the lights are blocked by tree branches or trunks.
Related Recommendations (1)
R9:
The security gate needs to be repaired and maintained. Follow up The Grand Jury made a follow up visit on 03/09/04, the following corrections had been made:
F10:
No “direct” lighting was on the stairs.
Related Recommendations (1)
R10:
Major software companies should be consulted to review county operations and make recommendations for improvement. See IT report for additional recommendations.
F11:
The entire parking lot is poorly lit.
Related Recommendations (1)
R11:
The Board of Supervisors, department directors and employees, must support important workplace values, such as pride, respect, responsibility, and professionalism.
F12:
The security gate allowing access to the parking lot is non-operable.
Related Recommendations (1)
R12:
The Redevelopment Agency’s five year Implementation Plan for the period January 2000 to December 2004 (not included in the addenda due to its size). Addenda