CMS settles RAC contract negotiations and prepares to begin expansion March 1
HIM Connection, February 17, 2009
Want to receive articles like this one in your inbox? Subscribe to HIM Connection!
The Medicare Recovery Audit Contractor (RAC) program is moving full speed ahead now that CMS has lifted its stop work order, according to a February 6 announcement on the CMS Web site. CMS had temporarily halted the program due to contract protests from PRG Schultz USA, Inc. and Viant, Inc.—two companies that had unsuccessfully bid to participate in the program. These companies will now serve as subcontractors for the permanent RAC program as part of the settlement agreements. PRG-Schultz and Viant will have different responsibilities—including possible claim review—in the various regions.
CMS also revised its RAC expansion schedule, according to the new "RAC Phase In Map" posted February 10 to the CMS Web site. The first phase will begin March 1, and the second phase will begin August 1.
Want to receive articles like this one in your inbox? Subscribe to HIM Connection!
Related Products
-
Medicare Audits in Long-Term Care: A Guide to MACs, RACs, and ZPICs
This book describes the different types of Medicare audits that nursing homes face and helps you take a proactive approach...
-
Cardiac Anatomy and Physiology
Cardiac coding under ICD-10-CM will require a deeper knowledge of anatomy and physiology. Code descriptions will be...
-
Coding and Physician Language
This unique handbook by coding expert Gloryanne Bryant, RHIA, CCS, CCDS, addresses the 32 most confusing conditions for...
-
Documentation Strategies to Support Severity of Illness
Written by well-known physician educator Robert S. Gold, MD, this handbook covers 32 of the most troubling conditions in...
-
ICD-10 Trainer
ICD-10 Trainer is a bi-weekly e-newsletter with the latest tips from the experts about how to get ready for the new coding...
Most Popular
- Articles
-
- Q/A: Volume requirement for reporting hydration services
- Featured blog post: Nurses face felony charges after reporting physician to the Texas Medical Board
- Catch up on what's new with injections and infusions
- Topic: CMS, OESS post new security compliance review information, checklist
- HIPAA Q&A: Level of encryption needed for email
- Identify potential Medicaid RAC target areas
- Capturing all necessary codes for IUD insertion and removal can be challenging
- What does case-mix index mean to you?
- QA:Coding multiple initial infusions
- OB services: Coding inside and outside of the package
- E-mailed
-
- Q/A: Volume requirement for reporting hydration services
- Featured blog post: Nurses face felony charges after reporting physician to the Texas Medical Board
- HIPAA Q&A: Level of encryption needed for email
- Q&A: Follow CMS' coding guidelines when using modifier -25
- Catch up on what's new with injections and infusions
- CMS has reformulated payments for some bilateral procedures
- New conflicts of interest create new challenges
- Q/A. One injection code or two?
- What does case-mix index mean to you?
- CHANGES COMING: Key differences in nationwide rollout
- Searched