Discovering payroll fraud — or even suspecting it — requires quick decisions to protect your medical practice's finances, preserve evidence and prevent further losses. Knowing who to contact and what steps to take can make a significant difference in how the practice responds and recovers.

MGMA's Payroll Fraud Response Checklist gives practice administrators and physician leaders a practical, two-page tool for managing the response.

The downloadable resource includes:

• First 48 hours: Secure payroll access, preserve records, contact legal counsel and notify the bank and insurer.
• First two weeks: Investigate the loss, review payroll and tax records, and make decisions about employment action and law enforcement.
• First 90 days: Correct tax filings, support affected employees, pursue recovery and strengthen payroll controls.
• One-page response plan: Record essential contacts, insurance deadlines, payroll access permissions and decision-makers before an incident occurs.

Each step includes space to assign responsibility and track completion.

Download the Payroll Fraud Response Checklist to prepare your practice before a problem arises — or guide your next steps if one has already been discovered.