If a healthcare worker learns that someone is charging for services not provided, what is the best course of action?

The best course of action in this situation is to call the compliance hotline. This option is correct as it provides a direct, formal channel for reporting unethical practices. Compliance hotlines are specifically designed to handle issues related to ethical breaches and illegal activities within an organization. By reporting the situation through this method, the healthcare worker ensures that the information is escalated to the appropriate authorities within the institution who are trained to investigate such claims comprehensively.

Using this route also helps maintain confidentiality for the reporter, as many compliance hotlines offer anonymity. This encourages individuals to come forward without fear of retaliation, thus promoting a culture of integrity and accountability within the healthcare setting.

While reporting to a supervisor or discussing the matter with the billing department may seem like viable options, these routes may not guarantee the same level of confidentiality or prompt action that a compliance hotline provides. Additionally, ignoring the issue because it falls outside of one's department goes against ethical responsibilities, as all healthcare workers have a duty to uphold the integrity of patient care and organizational ethics.