medical practices | The Health Law Firm Blog

Update All of Your Addresses with Medicare Immediately!

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

Have You Checked Your Addresses on File with CMS/Medicare Recently?

Do you remember the last time you checked all four of the addresses you should have on file for any individual or any group/company Medicare number you may have? The consequences of not updating these addresses can be severe. In addition to your mailing (or correspondence address), and your billing address, you also should have a physical address that is complete, accurate and timely. The telephone number for that physical address should also be in the system. You must ensure that not only is the street address accurate, but also that any suite, office or apartment number on it is accurate. Check the zip code, too, just to be certain you did not transpose digits when you entered it.

Auditors, surveyors, inspectors and investigators are often sent out by Medicare and its contractors, including the Medicare Administrative Contractors (or “MACs”) and the Zone Program Integrity Contractors (or “ZPICs”), to the physical address on file. This is done as a fraud prevention tool to make sure that medical practices, durable medical equipment companies (DMEs), home health agencies (HHAs), and other businesses that receive payments from Medicare are legitimate and are actually operating.

Termination of Medicare Billing Privileges Often Results From Incorrect Addresses.

Site inspections and audits are also conducted by sending auditors on short notice or no notice to the physical address on file. If your physical address is incomplete (e.g., no suite number) or wrong (e.g., incorrect street address) or is not up to date (e.g., you moved and forgot to update it), the consequences could be severe. What we have seen most often recently is an action that terminates the Medicare billing privileges. The provider then is not allowed to reapply for a period of two (2) years from the date of termination.

Update All of Your Addresses with Medicare Immediately.

I urge you to personally and immediately go into the Medicare Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System (PECOS) and the National Plan & Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) NPI Registry and print out a copy of the existing information to check it. If your address is incorrect or incomplete, immediately submit a correction or have your administrator practice manager do this.

If anything is incorrect, including an incorrect or incomplete name for your medical group, corporation or business, immediately have this corrected, as well. Everything should be consistent, and all of your state licenses and corporation/company information on file with your Secretary of State should also contain the same information, as well.

What to Do if You Receive a Notice of Termination of Your Medicare Provider Number.

Have you received a notice of termination of your Medicare provider number? Medicare has been revoking the Medicare billing privileges of many different Medicare providers including physicians, medical groups, home health agencies (HHAs), pharmacies, and durable medical equipment (DME) providers, based on returned mail sent to old addresses which have not been updated or based on inspection team site visits to old, incorrect addresses.

Often the termination is retroactive to an earlier date when the change or move may have been determined to have occurred. Even if the mailing address is correct or was changed, the physical address of the business must have been updated, as well. It is usually an incorrect or old physical address which causes this to occur.

The effect of this termination includes:

1. You are prohibited from reapplying to Medicare for at least two (2) years.

2. You may have to pay back any monies received from the Medicare Program since the effective date of the termination (often many months prior to the notification letter).

3. Other auditing agents may be notified such as the Medicare Zone Program Integrity Contractors (ZPIC) and the state Medicare Fraud Control Unit (MFCU).

4. You may no longer contract with Medicare or anyone who does.

5. You may and probably will be terminated from the approved provider panels of health insurance companies with which you are currently contracted.

6. You may and probably will be terminated from skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and home health agencies (HHAs) with which you have contracts.

7. You may and probably will have your clinical privileges terminated by hospitals or ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) where you have them.

What you should not do includes:

1. Don’t bother to write letters or start e-mailing anyone, including CMS or the Medicare Administrative Contractor (or MAC) (previously called the “carrier” or “fiscal intermediary”).

2. Don’t bother to call the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) or the MAC.

3. Don’t bother to file a new CMS Form 855 (application) or a CMS Form 855C (change).

4. Don’t bother to start communicating with CMS or the MAC about your situation and what you need to do about it.

5. Don’t bother to complete and file the short, one-page Corrective Action Plan (CAP) form that is on the CMS or Carrier/MAC website (unless you are close to the deadline and don’t have representation; then you must.)

What we recommend is:

1. Immediately go into the Medicare Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System (PECOS) and the National Plan & Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) NPI Registry and print out a copy of the existing information. Then update or correct any incorrect information on you or your company, if you can. Print out the information as it existed before and print out the information after you have corrected it. (Note: Medicare will act shortly after the letter to you to terminate your access to this, so it may be too late).

2. Hire an experienced health attorney immediately to assist you in putting together and submitting a comprehensive Corrective Action Plan (CAP), a Request for Reconsideration (RFR) and a request for an Appeal Hearing.

3. Note that there is a thirty (30) day deadline for submitting the CAP and a sixty (60) day deadline for requesting an appeal hearing. Do not miss these.

4. Implement formal, written internal policies and procedures to prevent a recurrence of the type of error, oversight or event that caused the termination. Train your management and staff on these.

The CAP should address every element of the applicable conditions of participation (COP) contained in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). It should include and be supported by all relevant documents, including but not limited to:

1. Documents showing how the error occurred or past efforts to comply.

2. Surety bond guarantees and documents (where required).

3. Insurance coverage documents showing current coverage (general liability, professional liability, vehicle/auto liability).

4. Current licenses and permits.

5. Certificates of good standing and latest annual reports for any corporation or limited liability company.

6. Print-outs from PECOS/NPPES Registry discussed above.

7. Accident reports, insurance claims, police reports, fire reports or other documentation showing why a relocation was required (if this was an issue).

8. Certificates of compliance training for you and your staff, if available.

9. Copies of policies and procedures that you have adopted to keep there from being a recurrence of the situation that led to the termination.

10. An authorization form for your consultant or attorney to represent you in the matter.

All copies should be clear, legible, complete, straight, no corners cut off and no handwriting on them, to the greatest extent possible.

Organize, Label and Index Professionally.

Everything should be professionally assembled, typed, indexed and labeled. It should include a table of contents or an index. Number every page. It should be submitted to the MAC (or the agency/address given in the termination letter) by two (2) reliable means that document both sending and receipt. Keep copies of everything, including postal receipts, airbills, Federal Express labels, courier receipts, etc. It must be received at the address given in the termination letter you received (usually MAC) by the deadline given above. Keep copies of online tracking reports and return receipts.

In most instances, should you show a legitimate reason for the error, show you are currently in compliance, and show what remedial measures you have taken to keep there from being a repeat, the MAC will accept your corrective action plan (CAP) and will reinstate your Medicare number, as things stand currently.

Don’t Wait Too Late; Consult with a Health Law Attorney Experienced in Medicare and Medicaid Issues Now.

The lawyers of The Health Law Firm routinely represent physicians, medical groups, clinics, pharmacies, durable medical equipment (DME) suppliers, home health agencies, nursing homes and other healthcare providers in Medicare and Medicaid investigations, audits and recovery actions. They also represent them in preparing and submitting corrective action plans (CAPs), requests for reconsideration, and appeal hearings, including Medicare administrative hearings before an administrative law judge. Attorneys of The Health Law Firm represent health providers in actions initiated by the Medicaid Fraud Control Units (MFCUs), in False Claims Act cases, in actions initiated by the state to exclude or terminate from the Medicaid Program or by the HHS OIG to exclude from the Medicare Program.

Call now at (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001 or visit our website www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.

About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law. He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620.

Disclaimer: Please note this article is for general education and information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or solicitation for clients. Our opinions stated herein are just that, our opinion.

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T10:00:30-04:00June 1, 2018|Categories: Medicare, The Health Law Firm Blog|Tags: administrative law judge(ALJ), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), clinic, corrective action plan (CAP), durable medical equipment (DME) suppliers, fraud prevention, home health agencies, investigators, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU), medical groups, medical practices, medicare, Medicare Administrative Contractors (MAC), Medicare administrative hearing, Medicare audits, Medicare number revocation, Medicare Provider Enrollment Chain and Ownership System (PECOS), Medicare site visits, Medicare termination, National Plan & Provider Enumeration System (NPPES), NPI Registry, nursing homes and other healthcare providers, OIG special agents, pharmacies, physicians, request for reconsideration, termination of Medicare billing privileges, Zone Program Integrity Contractors (ZPIC), zpic audit, ZPIC site visit|2 Comments

Federal Jury Convicts South Florida Doctors of Medicare Fraud

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

Two South Florida doctors, one Miami-area therapist, and two other individuals were convicted by a federal jury for their participation in a Medicare fraud scheme. The scheme allegedly involved more than $205 million in fraudulent billings by American Therapeutic Corporation (ATC), a corporation which provided mental health care services. The jury reached a decision on June 1, 2012. To see the Department of Justice press release, click here.

The two doctors and the therapist were each found guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. The other two individuals were each found guilty of one count of health care kickbacks. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled. The maximum penalty for each conspiracy count and each count of health care fraud is ten years in prison plus a fine. The maximum penalty for each count of health care kickbacks is five years in prison plus a fine.

Doctors, Therapist, and Others Allegedly Created False Documents for Medicare Reimbursements.

One of the federal indictments charged more than 14 separate defendants with criminal violations. To see this indictment click here.

Allegedly, ATC billed Medicare for hundreds of millions of dollars in services, for thousands of patients who were not qualified. The charges alleged fraudulent documents were created by the doctors and others associated with ATC. The doctors allegedly would sign patient documents without having seen or treated the patients.

ATC operated partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) throughout Florida and would allegedly bill Medicare for PHP treatments for patients in the names of the doctors. Included in these submissions to Medicare were claims for patients who were allegedly ineligible for PHP treatments. ATC allegedly did not provide legitimate PHP treatment, but illegally changed patient medical records to justify claims that were submitted.

ATC Executive Sentenced to 50 Years in Prison.

Since ATC was shut down nearly two years ago, 35 defendants have faced charges relating to the alleged fraud scheme. The majority of the defendants have pleaded guilty. Last year a third doctor pleaded guilty, accepting responsibility for more than $19 million of false claims submitted by the clinics.

Four ATC executives were sentenced to 50 years, 35 years, 35 years, and 91 months in prison, respectively, for their roles in the fraud scheme.

Contact Health Law Attorneys Experienced in Handling Medicare and Medicaid Fraud Cases.

The Health Law Firm’s attorneys routinely represent physicians, medical groups, clinics, pharmacies, durable medical equipment (DME) suppliers, home health agencies, nursing homes and other healthcare providers in Medicare and Medicaid investigations, audits and recovery actions. They also represent them in preparing and submitting corrective action plans (CAPs), requests for reconsideration, and appeal hearings, including Medicare administrative hearings before an administrative law judge.

To contact The Health Law Firm please call (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.

Sources Include:

U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Public Affairs. “Doctors, Therapist, and Recruiters from Miami-Area Mental Health Care Corporation Convicted for Participating in $205 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme.” FBI. (June 01, 2012). Press Release. From:
http://www.fbi.gov/miami/press-releases/2012/doctors-therapist-and-recruiters-from-miami-area-mental-health-care-corporation-convicted-for-participating-in-205-million-medicare-fraud-scheme

Weaver, Jay. “Two South Florida Doctors, 3 Others Convicted on Medicare Fraud Charge.” Miami Herald. (June 01, 2012). From
http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/06/01/2827660/miami-medicare-fraud-jurors-tell.html#storylink=misearch/

About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law. He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620.

$24 Million Medicaid Fraud Scheme Alleged by Connecticut Attorney General

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

Connecticut’s Attorney General, George Jepsen, alleges that 28 individuals, dental practices and corporations were involved in a $24 million Medicaid fraud scheme. He filed a civil action on May 31, 2012. It is the first case the state has initiated under the Connecticut False Claims Act. The Connecticut False Claims Act gives the state the ability to seek compensation for taxpayers from those who submit false claims for reimbursements they are not eligible to receive. To view the Connecticut False Claims Act, click here.

The complaint seeks restitution, treble damages and civil penalties as well as a permanent injunction against the unlawful acts and practices alleged in the complaint. To view the complaint, click here.

Accused Individual Allegedly Found Ways to Bill Medicaid for Services, Despite Being Excluded from Medicare and Medicaid Programs.

According to the complaint, one of the individuals involved in the alleged fraud scheme was previously convicted of a felony in another state for submitting false health care claims. He was then permanently excluded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) from participation in Medicare and Medicaid, as a result of his conviction. Any entity with which he serves as an employee, administrator, operator or in any other capacity, were also excluded from state healthcare programs.

The state alleges that, despite the exclusion, he established a number of dental practices in Connecticut that were operated by practicing dentists who billed Medicaid for services.

Allegedly, the excluded individual was actively involved in managing the practices and received millions of dollars in Medicaid reimbursements. The dental providers allegedly knew of the exclusion and did not disclose it on enrollment and re-enrollment forms for the Connecticut Medical Assistance Program.

Florida Has Similar False Claims Act.

Florida has a Medicaid False Claims Act similar to the one that Connecticut has. Florida’s Medicaid False Claims Act can be found here. However, in Florida, a separate provision of the state’s Medicaid law provides an award to a whistle-blower of up to 25% of any recovery. This is in Section 409.9203, Florida Statutes. In addition, Florida has a law that allows civil recovery for criminal acts such as Medicaid fraud, which is sometimes used by the Florida Attorney General and private individuals to recover money lost as a result of certain criminal conduct. For the Florida Civil Remedies for Criminal Actions law, click here.

As a general rule state false claims acts are modeled after the federal False Claims Act used to pursue Medicare fraud. For the federal Medicare Fraud False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. § 3729, click here.

Contact Health Law Attorneys Experienced in Handling Medicaid and Medicare Fraud Cases.

The Health Law Firm’s attorneys routinely represent physicians, dentists, nurses, medical groups, clinics, pharmacies, durable medical equipment (DME) suppliers, home health agencies, nursing homes and other healthcare providers in Medicaid and Medicare investigations, audits, hearings and recovery actions. In addition The Health Law Firm represents health providers in Medicare exclusion actions and in being reinstated to the Medicare Program or being removed from the exclusion list.

To contact The Health Law Firm please call (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.

Sources:

Rees, Nick. “Jepsen alleges $24M Medicaid fraud.” Legal Newsline. (June 4, 2012). From: http://www.legalnewsline.com/news/contentview.asp?c=236342

About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law. He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620.

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T10:00:31-04:00June 1, 2018|Categories: Medicaid, The Health Law Firm Blog|Tags: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), civil recovery for criminal actions, dental practice, dental services, dentist, dentist Medicaid fraud, Department of Health and Human Services, false claims act defense, fraud prevention, legal defense, medicaid, Medicaid exclusion, Medicaid fraud, Medicaid fraud defense attorney, medical groups, medical practices, medicare, Medicare defense attorneys and lawyers, Medicare exclusion, Medicare fraud, nurse, nursing, OIG exclusion, permanent exclusion, physicians, qui tam, state healthcare programs, whistle-blower|Comments Off

Scribes Offer Physicians Some Relief from EHR Frustrations

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

In November 2013, a physician satisfaction study, sponsored by the American Medical Society (AMA), was published. In the study, physicians stated one of the most hated items in the medical industry is the electronic health record (EHR). According to physicians, EHRs are time-consuming, they hinder the physician-patient relationship by dividing the physician’s attention, they require health care professionals to perform tasks below their level of training, and EHRs can decrease efficiency in the practice.

Now there is a trend in the medical industry that allows physicians and health care practitioners to complete all their EHR documentation without ever having to touch a computer. According to an article in The New York Times, many medical practices and emergency rooms are hiring medical scribes to ease physicians’ note-taking responsibilities.

What is a Scribe?

A medical scribe is an unlicensed, trained medical information manager specializing in charting physician-patient encounters during the medical exams. A scribe enters information into the EHR at the direction of the physician or health care practitioner. Scribes can also support workflow and documentation for medical record coding.

Duties of a scribe vary by the practice. Some common duties include:

– Documenting procedures performed by the physician;
– Reviewing patient evaluation data for comparison and transcribing the results;
– Recording physician-dictated diagnoses, prescriptions and instructions for discharge; and
– Recording a provider’s consultations with other health care professionals.

Benefits of a Scribe.

According to an article in The New York Times, there are an estimated 10,000 scribes currently working in hospitals and medical practices around the country. In the same article physicians using scribes stated that they are more satisfied with their choice of career because the scribe allows the physician to concentrate on treating patients. Physicians also stated that by using scribes they can see up to four extra patients a day. Other benefits include, a reduced amount of clerical work for doctors, and better record keeping.

To read the entire article from The New York Times, click here.

Requirements of a Medical Scribe.

The growing medical scribe industry has yet to come together on a unified training and certification process. While the practitioner is ultimately responsible for the record, scribes should be trained to have a basic understanding of the EHR documentation guidelines, according to a Medical Economics article. Furthermore, there are specific signature requirements to be used when scribes are utilized, according to Medical Economics.

Some signature requirements for scribes include:

– Signing and dating all entries into the medical record. The role and signature of the scribe must be clearly distinguishable from that of the physician or licensed practitioner.
– The physician or licensed practitioner must authenticate the entry by signing, dating, and recording the time. A physician signature stamp is not permitted for use in the authentication of scribed entries.
– The authentication must take place before the physician and scribe leave the patient care area.
– If the organization determines that the scribe will be allowed to enter orders into the medical record, those orders entered into the medical record cannot be acted on until authenticated by the physician.
– The medical practice should implement a performance improvement process to ensure that the scribe is not acting outside of his or her job description, authentication is occurring as required, and that no orders are being acted on before they are authenticated.

When adding scribes to your practice, it is important to consult the guidelines laid out by state boards and other regulatory authorities in order to develop compliant scribe policies. Knowing your state’s requirements is key to reducing legal dangers and defending potential claims.

To learn more on medical scribes, click here to read the Medical Economics article.

Medical Assistants vs. Scribes.

In most states, medical assistants are allowed to perform more patient care activities than a scribe is. For example, see the list contained in Florida Law, Section 458.3485, Florida Statutes. On the other hand scribes are, in effect, merely medical transcriptionists. However, each job may prove to be a gateway to the other job. A well-trained medical assistant may make an excellent scribe and be of great assistance to the physician. An experienced medical scribe may make an excellent medical assistant, being familiar with medical terminology and patient care.

Contact Experienced Health Law Attorneys.

The Health Law Firm routinely represents physicians and medical groups on EHR issues. It also represents pharmacists, pharmacies, physicians, nurses and other health providers in investigations, regulatory matters, licensing issues, litigation, inspections and audits involving the DEA, Department of Health (DOH) and other law enforcement agencies. Its attorneys include those who are board certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law as well as licensed health professionals who are also attorneys.

To contact The Health Law Firm, please call (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.

Comments?

What do you think about the use of scribes in the medical practice? Do you or have you ever used a scribe? What are the benefits or pitfalls of using a scribe? Please leave any thoughtful comments below.

Sources:

Hafner, Katie. “A Busy Doctor’s Right Hand, Ever Ready to Type.” The New York Times. (January 12, 2014). From: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/14/health/a-busy-doctors-right-hand-ever-ready-to-type.html?_r=0

Lewis, Maxine. “Scribes Can Help Document Care, Boost Efficiency at Medical Practices.” Medical Economics. (October 20, 2013). From: http://medicaleconomics.modernmedicine.com/medical-economics/news/scribes-can-help-document-care-boost-efficiency-medical-practices

Conn, Joseph. “More Docs Get EHR Help.” Modern Healthcare. (August 24, 2013). From: http://www.modernhealthcare.com/article/20130824/MAGAZINE/308249958

About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law. He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620.

“The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of George F. Indest III, P.A. – The Health Law Firm, a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999.
Copyright © 1996-2012 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T10:00:54-04:00June 1, 2018|Categories: Electronic Health Record, Health Care Industry, In the Know, The Health Law Firm Blog|Tags: clerical work, data entry, doctor, doctor patient relationship, EHR, EHR productivity, EHR record keeping, electronic chart, electronic health records, electronic medical records, EMR, health law firm, hospital scribes, hospitalist, improving doctor-patient relationship, increasing physician productivity, interacting with patients, medical practices, medical scribe, patient focus, physician, physician clerical work, scribe, scribe duties, scribe-assisted doctors, the health law firm, trends in health care industry, what can a scribe do|Comments Off

Two South Florida Doctors Convicted of Fraudulently Billing American Therapeutic Corporation (ATC)

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

A federal jury convicted two South Florida doctors, one Miami-area therapist, and two other individuals for their participation in a Medicare fraud scheme. The scheme allegedly involved more than $205 million in fraudulent billings by American Therapeutic Corporation (ATC), a corporation which provided mental health care services. The jury reached a decision on June 1, 2012.

To see the Department of Justice press release, click here.

The two doctors and the therapist were each found guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. The other two individuals were each found guilty of one count of health care kickbacks. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled. The maximum penalty for each conspiracy count and each count of health care fraud is ten years in prison plus a fine. The maximum penalty for each count of health care kickbacks is five years in prison plus a fine.

Doctors, Therapist, and Others Allegedly Created False Documents for Medicare Reimbursements.

One of the federal indictments charged more than 14 separate defendants with criminal violations.

To see this indictment click here.

Allegedly, ATC billed Medicare for hundreds of millions of dollars in services, for thousands of patients who were not qualified. The charges alleged fraudulent documents were created by the doctors and others associated with ATC. The doctors allegedly would sign patient documents without having seen or treated the patients.

ATC operated partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) throughout Florida and would allegedly bill Medicare for PHP treatments for patients in the names of the doctors. Included in these submissions to Medicare were claims for patients who were allegedly ineligible for PHP treatments. ATC allegedly did not provide legitimate PHP treatment, but illegally changed patient medical records to justify claims that were submitted.

ATC Executive Sentenced to 50 Years in Prison.

Since ATC was shut down nearly two years ago, 35 defendants have faced charges relating to the alleged fraud scheme. The majority of the defendants have pleaded guilty. Last year a third doctor pleaded guilty, accepting responsibility for more than $19 million of false claims submitted by the clinics.

Four ATC executives were sentenced to 50 years, 35 years, 35 years, and 91 months in prison, respectively, for their roles in the fraud scheme.

Contact Health Law Attorneys Experienced in Handling Medicare and Medicaid Fraud Cases.

The Health Law Firm’s attorneys routinely represent physicians, medical groups, clinics, pharmacies, durable medical equipment (DME) suppliers, home health agencies, nursing homes and other healthcare providers in Medicare and Medicaid investigations, audits and recovery actions. They also represent them in preparing and submitting corrective action plans (CAPs), requests for reconsideration, and appeal hearings, including Medicare administrative hearings before an administrative law judge.

To contact The Health Law Firm please call (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.

Sources:

U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Public Affairs. “Doctors, Therapist, and Recruiters from Miami-Area Mental Health Care Corporation Convicted for Participating in $205 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme.” FBI. (June 01, 2012). Press Release. From:
http://www.fbi.gov/miami/press-releases/2012/doctors-therapist-and-recruiters-from-miami-area-mental-health-care-corporation-convicted-for-participating-in-205-million-medicare-fraud-scheme

Weaver, Jay. “Two South Florida Doctors, 3 Others Convicted on Medicare Fraud Charge.” Miami Herald. (June 01, 2012). From
http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/06/01/2827660/miami-medicare-fraud-jurors-tell.html#storylink=misearch/

About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law. He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620.

“The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of George F. Indest III, P.A. – The Health Law Firm, a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999.
Copyright © 1996-2012 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T10:01:49-04:00May 15, 2018|Categories: Mental Health Counselor, Mental Health Counselor Law|Tags: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), corrective action plan (CAP), FBI, fraud prevention, medical groups, medical practices, medicare, Medicare audits, Medicare fraud, Medicare Fraud Strike Force, Medicare number revocation, Medicare termination, OIG special agents, physicians, request for reconsideration, termination of Medicare billing privileges|Comments Off

Medicare and Medicaid Audits of Psychologists and Other Mental Health Professionals – Part 1

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

Over the past year I have observed an increasing number of Medicare and Medicaid audits being initiated against psychologists and other mental health professionals.

I have recently seen a number of audits initiated against psychologists and mental health professionals who treat assisted living facility (ALF) and skilled nursing facility (SNF) residents. Most often these are audits by the Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC), because this area of medical practice has been identified as one fraught with fraud and abuse. Sometimes these are only “probe” audits, initial audits requesting one (1) to five (5) medical records. Other times the MAC has been requesting anywhere from 120 to 375 records.

This blog is the first part of my two-part series on Medicare and Medicaid audits initiated against psychologist and other mental health professionals.

Zone Program Integrity Contractors (ZPICs).

Zone Program Integrity Contracts (ZPICs), are the primary Medicare fraud detection contractors. If a probe audit, MAC audit or other investigation of audit suspected fraudulent billing, the ZPIC may come in. The ZPIC also identifies and target various CPT codes, areas of medical practice, services and equipment that are highly susceptible to fraud. It will then initiate a ZPIC audit on its own. ZPICs receive bonuses based on amounts they recover for the Medicare program.

OIG Annual Work Plan.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) publishes a work plan each year which discusses the areas, types of medical services, CPT codes, equipment and tests it considers to be most susceptible to fraud and abuse. The new plan is usually published in the fall for the work year. It is available online.

Psychiatrists, psychologists and mental health counselors, as well as facility administrators, compliance officers, attorneys and billing and coding experts should review this work plan each year to learn what the OIG considers to be fraud and abuse and why. Measures should be immediately implemented to remedy any problems in your practice or facility that are identified.

Qui Tam or Whistle Blower Cases.

In many cases an audit or investigation may be convened against a facility, individual or group, based on the filing of a qui tam or whistle blower’s case. You won’t know this, however, because these cases are filed under seal and stay sealed, often for years. These suits are based on false claims that have been filed for Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, Veterans Administration (VA) or any other federal or state program. They are usually filed by disgruntled, former employees. These may cause the initiation of any of the types of audits discussed above.

If you suspect that this has happened, you should immediately retain legal counsel to represent you or your organization. If OIG special agents (S/As) or Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents are involved, it would be foolish not to retain an experience health law attorney before you speak to anyone.

Medicaid Audits.

I have also seen an increase in Medicaid audits by state agencies, as well.

Ordinarily, Medicaid audits are initiated by the program integrity section or division of the state agency that administers the Medicaid program, or one of the agency’s contractors. The states are under increasing pressure from the federal government to be much more aggressive in identifying Medicaid fraud and recovering the overpayments.

If Medicare or any of its contractors recover an overpayment from a provider, they will also notify the state Medicaid program and Tricare program. These will them initiate audits and collection actions.

State ZPICs.

States are now contracting with ZPICs to help detect fraud and make recoveries of large overpayments from Medicaid providers. Additionally, the Medicare ZPICs may also detect and recover Medicaid overpayments, as well.

Future Blog on This Topic.

Check back next week, I will continue to share my insight into Medicare and Medicaid audits being initiated against psychologists and other mental health professionals.

Contact Health Law Attorneys Experienced in Handling Medicare and Medicaid Audits.

Medicaid fraud is a serious crime and is vigorously investigated by the state MFCU, the Agency for Healthcare Administration (AHCA), the Zone Program Integrity Contractors (ZPICs), the FBI, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Often other state and federal agencies, including the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), and other law enforcement agencies participate. Don’t wait until it’s too late. If you are concerned of any possible violations and would like a confidential consultation, contact a qualified health attorney familiar with medical billing and audits today. Often Medicaid fraud criminal charges arise out of routine Medicaid audits, probe audits, or patient complaints.

The Health Law Firm’s attorneys routinely represent physicians, medical groups, clinics, pharmacies, assisted living facilities (AFLs), home health care agencies, nursing homes, group homes and other healthcare providers in Medicaid and Medicare investigations, audits and recovery actions.

To contact The Health Law Firm please call (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.

About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law. He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620.

The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of George F. Indest III, P.A. – The Health Law Firm, a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999.
Copyright © 1996-2012 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.

Medicare and Medicaid Audits of Psychologists and Other Mental Health Professionals – Part 2

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

Over the past year I have observed an increasing number of Medicare and Medicaid audits being initiated against psychologists and other mental health professionals.

I have recently seen a number of audits initiated against psychologists and mental health professionals who treat assisted living facility (ALF) and skilled nursing facility (SNF) residents. Most often these are audits by the Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC), because this area of medical practice has been identified as one fraught with fraud and abuse. Sometimes these are only “probe” audits, initial audits requesting one (1) to five (5) medical records. Other times the MAC has been requesting anywhere from 120 to 375 records.

This blog is party two in my series on Medicare and Medicaid audits initiated against psychologist and other mental health professionals. Click here to see part one.

Areas Being Targeted.

In state Medicaid audits, I have recently seen increased scrutiny in the following areas:

1. Pediatric care

2. Therapy (speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy) especially to pediatric patients and developmentally disabled patients.

3. Small assisted living facilities (ALFs), group homes, homes for the developmentally disabled (DD) and other small facilities.

4. Home health agencies.

5. Pediatric dentistry.

6. Optometry care, especially if delivered in a nursing home or assisted living facility (ALF).

7. Ambulance and medical transportation services, especially of nursing homes.

8. Psychiatric psychological and mental health.

Use of Statistical Sampling and Extrapolation Formulas to Multiply Repayment Amounts.

In both state Medicaid audits and in Medicare audits, I have experience increased reliance by the auditing agency on use of mathematical extrapolation formulas to estimate the amount that should be repaid. The formula used usually takes the overpayment that has actually been found and, based on several factors, multiplies it out to many times the actual overpayment amount. Thus, a found overpayment of $2,800 may become a demand for repayment of $280,000, based on the statistical extrapolation.

Things you should know about this are as follows.

1. Neither the Medicare program nor the state Medicaid programs should use an extrapolation formula, unless:

a. There is a “high” error rate in the claims that have been submitted; or

b. There have been prior educational efforts or prior audits of the provider, and the provider has failed to correct the problems in claims submission previously found.

2. The states each have different guidelines, rules or regulations on when they will apply the statistical formula. Some do not use it. Some use a higher percentage error rate to prompt use of the formula and some lower. North Carolina is one of the lowest we have encountered; an error rate of more than five percent (5%) will prompt its Medicaid agency to apply the statistical extrapolation to the recovery amount.

Problems Psychologists and Mental Health Professionals May Encounter Producing Records for Audits.

Many psychologists, therapists and health professionals are being audited because they are treating patients in a nursing facility or assisted living facility.

In most cases, a history, physical, comprehensive assessment, physician orders, diagnosis, medication list, medication administration records, consultations, social service notes and other medial documents being relied upon by the therapist are reviewed and assessed in connection with treatment of the patient. The big problem here is that these usually stay in the facility. When an audit occurs, these may not all be available.

The biggest issue that Medicare and Medicaid seem to be targeting is lack of documented “medical necessity.” The auditors take the position that the audited therapist must produce copies of the documents listed above, in part, to show “medical necessity” for the services provided.

Additionally, most physicians who treat patients in nursing facilities place their own assessments, plans and notes into the facility’s chart and do not retain a copy themselves. When the audit comes, they may not be able to produce copies of their own notes and evaluations.

I recommend that any provider treating residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilties (ALFs):

1. Review the local coverage decision (LCD) applicable to the code(s) you bill so you know what requirements must be met and what documentation is required.

2. Review the Medicaid provider handbook or state regulations for the services you provide if you are a Medicaid provider.

3. Obtain and keep copies of all applicable histories, physicals, care plans, physician orders, physician consults, etc. This is best done by obtaining and using a portable scanner. You can then keep the copies electronically in a properly secured, protected server in your office (backed-up, off site, of course).

4. Sign all of your evaluations, prepare your reports, evaluations progress notes and consultations on your laptop or other computer and sign it electronically before you print it out. Alternatively, if you still use paper, scan the paper copy (after signed) and maintain it electronically.

5. Do not use unusual or non-standard terms and abbreviations. If you do, you must keep an “abbreviations and definitions” list and produce it with your records in any audit response.

6. In your reports, evaluations and notes, use the terminology from the LCD and Medicaid provider handbook. Also, always include the start time, stop time and total time spent with any resident in your report, evaluation and notes.

7. Be sure the patient, patient’s next of kin/surrogate, patient’s physician or nursing home administrator signs off as having received the services each time. The patient’s signature is preferred.

Contact Health Law Attorneys Experienced in Handling Medicaid Audits.

Medicaid fraud is a serious crime and is vigorously investigated by the state MFCU, the Agency for Healthcare Administration (AHCA), the Zone Program Integrity Contractors (ZPICs), the FBI, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Often other state and federal agencies, including the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), and other law enforcement agencies participate. Don’t wait until it’s too late. If you are concerned of any possible violations and would like a confidential consultation, contact a qualified health attorney familiar with medical billing and audits today. Often Medicaid fraud criminal charges arise out of routine Medicaid audits, probe audits, or patient complaints.

The Health Law Firm’s attorneys routinely represent physicians, medical groups, clinics, pharmacies, assisted living facilities (AFLs), home health care agencies, nursing homes, group homes and other healthcare providers in Medicaid and Medicare investigations, audits and recovery actions.

To contact The Health Law Firm please call (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.

About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law. He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620.

“The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of George F. Indest III, P.A. – The Health Law Firm, a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999.
Copyright © 1996-2012 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T10:01:49-04:00May 15, 2018|Categories: Medicaid audit, Medicare Audit, Medicare Fraud, Mental Health Counselor, Mental Health Counselor Law, Psychology|Tags: assisted living facility (ALF), fraud prevention, mac, medicaid, Medicaid Audits, Medicaid fraud, medical groups, medical practices, medicare, Medicare Administrative Contractor, Medicare audits, Medicare fraud, mental health professionals, physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, review contractors, Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF), Zone Program Integrity Contracts, zpic, zpic audit|Comments Off