Which statement describes an action that can be categorized as fraud?

Billing for services not rendered is a clear example of fraud because it involves intentionally submitting false claims to healthcare payers for reimbursement. This deceitful act misrepresents the actual services provided to the patient and seeks financial gain without providing real value or care.

Fraud in the healthcare system undermines trust, increases costs, and can lead to severe penalties for both individuals and organizations involved. It is distinct from legitimate actions like following accepted medical guidelines, providing necessary treatments, or maintaining accurate documentation, all of which are critical practices that ensure patient safety and quality of care. These legitimate actions support proper billing and reimbursement practices, whereas billing for services that were never performed directly violates ethical and legal standards in healthcare.