The Practicing Physicians Advisory Council (PPAC) holds its quarterly meeting on Monday, June 1 (yes, June -- 2009 is nearly half over!). Topics on PPAC's agenda include value-based purchasing and recovery audit contractors (RACs).
Subscribers can read our coverage of the March meeting by clicking here. After the last meeting, we'll be interested to learn what CMS's response will be to the council's recommendations concerning RACs. Recommendations were to:
- not allow RACs review E/M claims,
- limit the number of medical record demands to three in a 45-day period for solo practices,
- implement a provision requiring RACs to reimburse physicians for copies of requested medical records prior to the commencement of audits, and
- not allow RACs to review consultations because the CMS's policies on consults, split-shared billing and transfer of care are unclear.
Speaking of RACs, we're sponsoring an audio conference on the subject June 18 (click here to learn more). Health attorney Gregory Piche and consultant Joan Ditges RN will present vital information on guarding your practice against these auditors. The RAC program is being implemented in every state, so unlike years past, all Medicare providers will be subject to review.