Audits and Compliance in Medicare "It All Fits Together!"

Newsletter

April 2, 2012

Chiropractic Medicare

"It All Fits Together!"

Dear Doctors and Staff,

It all fits together....however....first things first!

I have the privilege of speaking to many Chiropractors and Chiropractic staff daily.  We do have Chiropractic Medicare problems in the Chiropractic field of practitioners.

It is obvious the Inspector General is close to correct, that of every 100 claims filed by Chiropractors, 67 have errors!  That is not even the worst part.  All "clean" claims are automatically paid.  Then the carrier hires a special agency to do audits to get the money back.

Some states, New Jersey, New York, California and Nevada, audit nearly every claim, asking for hundreds of patients notes.  Most all are denied with first Review Determination.  When the Chiropractor goes to the second Level of Review Reconsideration (still with the Medicare Carrier) it nearly always is denied again.  Most DC's give up at this point and lose.

We cannot afford to not be paid or have to send money back to the Medicare Carriers.  We have to know the correct way to do Chiropractic Medicare.  I suggest considering our "The Basics" Chiropractic Medicare DVD and booklet.  It covers everything we Chiropractors and staff must know when doing Chiropractic Medicare.

Becoming compliant in Medicare is something totally different.  The Federal Government now has a mandated program set up to stop fraud and abuse in the Medicare program.  Having prepared the Chiropractic Compliance program....it will stop fraud and abuse.

We Chiropractors are required to implement this program by the end of 2012. (9 months to go!)  If you decide to put it off or not do this program, by 2014 - 2015 you will have major difficulty being in Chiropractic practice. Having the Compliance Program already completed for you is a giant step forward.  All you have to do is place your office data on all the documents and you are well on your way to Chiropractic Medicare Compliance.

HIPAA and OSHA are two more areas that chiropractors and staff must be proficient. I will discuss those next week.

Have questions? Give Dr. Street a call today at (618) 395-3800.

Spring 2012 Seminar Schedule:

*Thursday, April 19, 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm at the Chariot Hotel - Louisville, KY

*Thursday, May 24, 8:30 am - 12:30 pm at King Oscar Hotel, Auburn, WA

*Thursday, May 24, 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm at Staybridge Suites, Mukilteo, WA

*Saturday, May 26, 8:30 am - 12:30 pm at Quality Inn Oakwood, Spokane, WA

To Register Call:  (618) 395-3800