OIG: Hospices often out of compliance, need framing
By
James M. Berklan
Feb 01, 2014
The Department of Health and Human Services’ watchdog arm recently said hospice providers need stronger oversight measures. It also noted more than $5.8 billion in recoveries in fiscal 2013.
Providers rip huge backlog of therapy claims reviews
By
James M. Berklan
Jan 01, 2014
A provider-sponsored survey recently uncovered huge backlogs of therapy claim reviews for beneficiaries who exceeded the Medicare Part B caps limits.
Blanket ‘no-CPR’ policy can result in citation, CMS rules
By
James M. Berklan
Dec 01, 2013
Federal regulators have come out strongly against facility-wide policies that prohibit cardiopulmonary resuscitation for residents in distress.
CMS puts surveyors on alert for those ‘gaming’ system
By
James M. Berklan
Oct 01, 2013
Federal regulators say surveyors need to prevent providers from possibly “gaming” the system when it comes to the timing of surveys and sales.
Cases subject to escrow
By
James M. Berklan
Oct 01, 2013
Federal regulators have expanded the use of escrow accounts so that as of this month, providers will be subject to their use for any kind of deficiency from a standard or complaint survey that draws a...
CMS widens audits, hones in on Part A claims, expert says
By
James M. Berklan
Jun 01, 2013
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has increased its scrutiny of Medicare Part A filings recently and as a result, has reclaimed more funds than ever from providers, a long-term care compliance...
Feds offer more support for workers’ background checks
By
James M. Berklan
Apr 01, 2013
A federal agency is again offering to put its money where its mouth is when it comes to employee background checks for long-term care providers. All direct-care employees could potentially be affected.
CMS wants burdens eased
By
James M. Berklan
Feb 01, 2013
Providers will have their say about the future of Medicare Administrative Contractors.
Ask the payment expert … about inaccurate MDS therapy information
By
Patricia Boyer
Feb 01, 2013
What happens if my therapy company makes an error on the MDS and as a result, a change of therapy was missed? Are we still responsible?
OIG to study contractors
By
James M. Berklan
Nov 01, 2012
A new federal work plan declares that even the Medicare contractors charged with keeping close tabs on long-term care facilities will be put under the microscope during fiscal 2013.