Part B Insider (Multispecialty) Coding Alert
OIG Opened 1,750 New Health Care Fraud Investigations During 2008
Plus: OIG investigation finds that eye surgeons collected $97.6 million for E/Ms that they didnt actually provide. If you thought the recovery audit contractor (RAC) program would mean that the OIG was getting less aggressive, think again. According to May 6 testimony by Inspector General Daniel R.Levinson before the Senate Special Committee on Aging, the OIG is continuing to step up its enforcement actions. Of the $2 trillion that the U.S.spends on health care each year, at least three percent (or over $60 billion annually) is lost to fraud, Levinson estimated. To that end, the OIG launched 1,750 new health care fraud investigations during financial year 2008,and identified vulnerabilities that put Medicare at risk of fraud and abuse. The OIG has noted discrepancies in payment for services related to advanced imaging, pain management,and mental health services, among others, Levinson noted. To read the entire OIG testimony and get a sneak peek at areas that the OIG may be targeting, visit www.oig.hhs.gov/testimony/docs/2009/05062009_testimony_aging.pdf.
Part B Insider (Multispecialty) Coding Alert
- MEDICARE FORMS:
CMS Expects Practices to Use New HIPAA 5010 Form by 2012
Hint: You wont be able to submit ICD-10 codes without this new form, so start [...] - RED FLAGS RULE:
CMS Extends Deadline for Complying With Red Flags Rule
You now have until August 1 to prepare -- but youll need all of that time [...] - ICD-10:
Get a Head Start on the Transition to ICD-10 Codes So You'll Be Fully Prepared When the Time Comes
Plus: Know what to expect for your staff training in the coming year. Although Oct. [...] - RAC AUDITS:
Take These 6 Steps to Prepare for the RAC Audit Onslaught
Hint: Take requests for your records seriously and ensure that your documentation is thorough at [...] - READER QUESTION:
Keep Medicare's Additional Test Rules Right at Your Fingertips
Know CMSs allowable circumstances when a non-hospital radiologist can perform and bill for an exam [...] - Part B Coding Coach:
Just Because You Have A New Epley Code Doesn't Mean You'll Always Get Paid for It
Medicare slaps bundled status on 95992, denies reimbursement for new code -- weve got the scoop [...] - PHYSICIAN NOTES:
OIG Opened 1,750 New Health Care Fraud Investigations During 2008
Plus: OIG investigation finds that eye surgeons collected $97.6 million for E/Ms that they didnt [...] - In other news ...
" As most practices know, E/M services are included in the global packages of most [...]
