Which of the following is NOT a consequence of failing to comply with Medicare billing regulations?

The correct choice indicates that increased patient traffic is not a consequence of failing to comply with Medicare billing regulations. Compliance with these regulations is essential for healthcare providers to maintain their eligibility for reimbursement and participation in federal healthcare programs, including Medicare.

When there is a failure to adhere to these regulations, it typically leads to serious repercussions such as the imposition of fines, legal prosecution, and potential exclusion from participation in federal healthcare programs. However, failing to comply does not inherently lead to increased patient traffic; in fact, it might have the opposite effect, as patients may become hesitant to visit a provider with compliance issues due to concerns over billing practices, quality of care, or the stability of the practice. Compliance issues can damage a healthcare provider's reputation, thereby reducing patient trust and potentially leading to a decline in patient volume.