Pathology/Lab Coding Alert

Don’t get caught in OIG sweep.

You better cross your t’s and dot your i’s to make sure your lab doesn’t run afoul of Medicare/Medicaid rules and get caught in the wide net cast by the Office of Inspector General (OIG).

The OIG is finding ways to save big money by recouping billions from medical practices across the country. According to the OIG’s Oct. 2012 to March 2013 Semiannual Report to Congress, the agency recouped $3.8 billion through recommendations, investigative efforts, and audit recovery during that six month period.

The report outlines common enforcements, such as those on medical laboratories, as well as new targets.

"OIG continuously looks for ways to enhance the relevance and impact of our work by engaging and working with our internal and external stakeholders," said Inspector General Daniel R. Levinson in the report.

To read the OIG’s Semiannual Report, visit the HHS Web site at: oig.hhs.gov/reports-and-publications/archives/semiannual/2013/SAR-S13-Final.pdf.