Which of the following practices is NOT an example of high-risk billing practices that create compliance risks?

The practice of returned overpayments is not considered a high-risk billing practice that creates compliance risks. Instead, it reflects a proactive approach to compliance. When overpayments are identified and returned, it demonstrates an organization's commitment to ethical billing practices and adherence to regulations. This action helps maintain transparency and accountability in the billing process, which is essential in healthcare compliance.

In contrast, altered claim forms, duplicate billings, and unbundled procedures are practices that pose significant compliance risks. Altered claim forms can lead to fraudulent billing and misrepresentation of services, while duplicate billings can result in unnecessary charges and potential penalties for healthcare providers. Unbundled procedures, which involve billing for individual components of a procedure rather than the comprehensive package, can also violate compliance regulations and lead to overcharging patients or insurance providers.

Understanding the distinctions between these practices is crucial for maintaining compliance in healthcare billing and preventing potential legal issues and financial penalties.