WASHINGTON, DC – A 28-page document issued by the Office of Inspector General (OIG) lauds CMS for taking action on “improper” payments, while simultaneously questioning the effectiveness of those actions. The report features the word “improper” 139 times, while revealing that 2010 and 2011 resulted in improper payments totaling $1.3 billion.
“CMS took corrective actions to address the majority of vulnerabilities it identified in FYs 2010 and 2011,” wrote OIG officials. “However, it did not evaluate the effectiveness of these actions. As a result, high amounts of improper payment may continue.”
The OIG recommends that CMS “take action, as appropriate, on vulnerabilities.” For providers, the report confirms that scrutiny of government payouts will only continue. In the business realm, Medtrade exhibitors such as Keith Lilek, CEO of A/R Allegiance Group, believe the OIG conclusions only highlight the need for providers to focus on the patient side of revenue.
“The OIG report is yet another reason that providers need to find an efficient system to improve patient collections,” says Lilek. “We encourage all providers to attend the upcoming Medtrade, just one month from now, because there will be invaluable educational offerings to help providers in this search.”
Making the Most of the Medtrade Experience
Those who wish to take full advantage of educational opportunities may wish to arrive on Monday, Oct 7, where they can choose from among several workshops and/or seminars—including an in-depth presentation from Brightree. No fewer than eight workshops and seminars are on tap for Monday, Oct 7, at Medtrade in Orlando, Fla.
Featured presentations are:
• Using Brightree As a “Business Management Tool: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM – Speaker: Kathy Quehl, Training Team Leader, Brightree
• HME Sales Management Revenue Growth Summit: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM – Speaker: Mike Sperduti, President and CEO, Emerge Sales Inc
• Success in Diversification: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM – Speakers: Mark Higley, Rob Baumhover, Mike Mallaro
• Keeping Your Business Ahead of the Digital Curve: Tactical Strategies for Online and Content Marketing: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM – Speakers: Anna McDevitt, Owner, Laboratory Marketing, Lisa Wells, Get Social Consulting LLC
• Operational Efficiencies in Today’s Marketplace: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM – Speaker: Miriam Lieber, President, Lieber Consulting LLC
• Keep Your Hard-Earned Money: Surviving Medicare Part B DME Audits-A Hands-On Review: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM – Speakers: Mary Ellen Conway, President, Capital Healthcare Group, Denise Fletcher, Attorney, Brown & Fortunato, and Wayne van Halem, President, The van Halem Group, LLC
• Mobility Documentation and Evaluations Then and Now: What is really needed? How do I get it?: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM – Speakers: Peggy Walker, RN, Director of Reimbursement, US Rehab/VGM; Elizabeth Cole, MSPT, ATP, Director of Clinical Rehab Services, US Rehab/VGM
• THERAFIRM Certified Fitter’s Training Course: Understanding Venous Disease and the Business of Compression Hosiery: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM – Speaker: Evan McGill, National Sales Manager, a division of Knit Rite
“For those who make the commitment to attend Medtrade, choosing a multi-hour educational opportunity on the first day is a great way to maximize the full benefits of the show,” says Kevin Gaffney, group show director, Medtrade. “These seminars and workshops offer the chance to gain in-depth knowledge.
Registration for any of these sessions includes complementary access to the Expo. Some of these sessions also qualify attendees to access the Medtrade Conference as well at no extra charge.
Visit medtrade.com for complete details and to register.