With 1,264 exclusions and 388 criminal actions, the OIG cracked down. Medicare may be cutting back on payments for some services, but the OIG is finding additional ways to save money by recouping billions from medical practices across the country. According to the OIG's 2012 Semiannual Report, the agency recouped $1.2 billion through recommendations, investigative efforts, and audit recovery. The report, which covers OIG actions between Oct. 1, 2011, and March 31, 2012, outlines common enforcements, such as those on durable medical equipment (DME) suppliers, as well as new targets. "We are using advanced data analytics to help us conduct risk assessments; more effectively pinpoint our oversight efforts; and significantly reduce the time and resources required for audits, investigations, evaluations, and other program integrity activities," said Inspector General Daniel R. Levinson in the report. Some Money Not Yet Collected In addition to collecting billions, the OIG may also request refunds based on additional recommendations published in the report. For example:
Consider These Examples
Following is a sampling of a few of the OIG's recoveries as outlined in the report:
A nursing service owner had to pay over $30 million in restitution after he was found paying kickbacks to Medicare beneficiaries and recruiters and billing Medicare for services not rendered.
To read the OIG's Semiannual Report, visit the HHS Web site at: http://oig.hhs.gov/reports-and-publications/semiannual/index.asp.