Home Health & Hospice Week

Brace for more audits, among other fraud-fighting measures.

Here’s what you can expect to see as the hospice crackdown proceeds — and picks up speed.

• Tougher surveys. Surveys have already gotten more aggressive after focused scrutiny, but that’s only likely to continue, expects attorney Robert Markette Jr. with Hall Render in Indianapolis.
• IJ citations. More intense surveys could translate to an increase in Immediate Jeopardy citations, Markette adds.
• Alternative sanctions. The Government Accountability Office wants more than just termination in surveyors’ tool box, and that can include crushing fines.
• Increased audits. Expect more audits and reviews from a variety of entities ranging from the OIG to Zone Program Integrity Contractors to Recovery Audit Contractors and more, Markette points out.
• Hot topic scrutiny. Audits, reports, and more are likely to focus on hot button issues including non-cancer patients, long lengths of stay, site of service (nursing and assisted living facilities), and forprofit status.