RACs Identify High-Risk Vulnerabilities for Physicians

Written by Reed Tinsley | March 21, 2011

Recent RAC audits have detected two high risk vulnerabilities for physician claims are listed in Table 1 below. These claims were denied because the demonstration RACs determined that either a duplicate claim was billed and paid or the physician reported an incorrect number of units for Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code billed based on the CPT code descriptor, reporting instructions in the CPT book, and/or other CMS local or national policy.

Item Provider Type Improper Payment Amount (pre-appeal) RAC Demonstration Findings
1 Physician $6,635,558 Other Services with Excessive Units - Units billed exceeded the number of units per day based on the CPT code descriptor, reporting instructions in the CPT book, and/or other CMS local or national policy.
2 Physician $1,094,751 Duplicate Claims - Physician billed and was paid for two claims for the same beneficiary, for the same date of service, same CPT code, and same physician.

For more information, go to:

http://www.cms.gov/mlnmattersarticles/downloads/se1036.pdf

 

About the Author

Reed Tinsley CPA

This article is written by Reed Tinsley, a Houston, TX-based CPA with over 30 years of experience advising physicians and medical practices across Texas and the United States. Reed holds certifications as a Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA), Certified Healthcare Business Consultant (CHBC), and Certified Financial Planner (CFP), specializing exclusively in the healthcare sector. He is a published author, nationally recognized speaker, and trusted advisor to physicians on accounting & tax, practice management, and financial planning. Schedule a Free Consultation.

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