LAS VEGAS – The DMEPOS industry is no stranger to audits. When the RACs and ZPICs came on the scene it seemed that everyone wanted a piece of the pie, and suppliers were left holding the (empty) purse strings. With a looming ALJ backlog, we saw some relief, and the implementation of TPE (Targeted Probe and Educate) gave us hope that the barrage of audits from all sides was finally slowing down.
Well, my friends, it appears that the honeymoon is over. The past few months have seen increasing audit activity from the RAC, which has added everything from manual wheelchairs to lymphedema pumps to their approved issues log. The SMRC, now under the direction of Noridian, who had up to this point only reviewed PAP Supplies, has also added oxygen and diabetic strips to their projects list. The DME MACs continue to review all categories of DMEPOS, but also placing emphasis on PAP and oxygen. Even the recently quiet UPICs are slowly getting back in the game, this time focusing on prosthetics.
If that isn’t enough to keep you awake at night, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) has suggested that suppliers conduct a ‘six-year lookback’ in multiple reports, including those focused on power mobility devices (PMDs) and nebulizers. On a much broader scope, the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) is continuously working to ensure healthcare providers are following HIPAA regulations through their own audit investigations.
If any of this is news to you, than you need to be at The Audit Happy Hour on Tuesday, March 3, from 5:30 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. This networking event provides you with access to some of the DMEPOS industry’s most well-known experts on all things audits.
The only thing that can make a conversation about audits pleasant is doing it over a cocktail—or two! Take advantage of this opportunity to meet with healthcare attorneys and consultants who work up close and personally with these audit contractors daily, and find out what you can do to prepare and protect your business. Audit Happy Hour Advance Rates are in effect through Feb. 22.
Kelly S. Grahovac is general manager, The van Halem Group – A Division of VGM Group, Inc.
The Audit “Happy” Hour
March 3, 2020 from 5:30 PM – 6:45 PM
Sponsored by: Pride Mobility and the van Halem Group
There’s not much happiness when it comes to audits – unless you’re figuring out how to navigate them. We’re making it fun by giving you that opportunity, and a chance to meet with experts at a relaxed networking reception. So grab a glass of wine or beer (audits do drive us to drink, right?!), and meet with audit experts at this unique Q&A and networking opportunity. Registration fee varies with time of registration (save by registering early!), advance registration required.
advance registration required, see pricing