Which action can potentially decrease the risk of fraud in healthcare services?

Implementing better training programs is essential in decreasing the risk of fraud in healthcare services because it equips staff with the knowledge and skills needed to recognize, prevent, and address fraudulent activities effectively. Trained personnel are more likely to understand regulatory requirements, proper coding practices, billing procedures, and ethical standards. This education creates a culture of compliance, helping to detect suspicious behaviors early and fostering an environment where employees are aware of the implications of fraud, both legally and financially.

Additionally, well-trained employees are better able to identify potential vulnerabilities and address them proactively, which can include recognizing improper billing practices or discrepancies in patient records. Overall, enhancing training programs contributes to minimizing opportunities for fraud and reinforcing the integrity of healthcare services.

In contrast, the other options do not specifically address the mechanisms or knowledge necessary to combat fraud effectively. Increased patient visits and improving reimbursement rates may affect financial performance but do not necessarily prevent fraudulent behavior. Hiring more staff can help alleviate workload issues, but without proper training, simply increasing the number of employees does not inherently reduce fraud risk.