It's once again time for the Center for Plain Language's ClearMark Awards, where both the most succinct and most convoluted communications are giving their just deserts. C'mon, all you keynoters, I know you have it in you to provide the best, right? Though there are a few I've heard who could have a shot at winning(?) the latter category. Meetings registration pages could also be fair game, as could marketing pieces, blog posts—you name it, it could be a contender.
Here's the example the Center offers:
Medicare Fraud Letter
Before: Investigators at the contractor will review the facts in your case and decide the most appropriate course of action. The first step taken with most Medicare health care providers is to reeducate them about Medicare regulations and policies. If the practice continues, the contractor may conduct special audits of the providers’ medical records. Often, the contractor recovers overpayments to health care providers this way. If there is sufficient evidence to show that the provider is consistently violating Medicare policies, the contractor will document the violations and ask the Office of the Inspector General to prosecute the case. This can lead to expulsion from the Medicare program, civil monetary penalties, and imprisonment.
After: We will take two steps to look at this matter: We will find out if it was an error or fraud. We will let you know the result.
Just please don't send in any of my writing, OK?!