Billing companies remain an OIG focus next year

Why This Topic Matters

It highlights the kinds of billing and documentation issues federal auditors were expected to review, helping readers understand where compliance attention may increase and what operational areas may need review.

Article Sections

1. OIG focus on physician billing arrangements

   Introduces the work-plan interest in financial relationships between physician practices and billing companies. The discussion centers on compliance oversight and whether these arrangements may affect claims processing and billing practices.

2. Other areas of interest to OIG next year

   Summarizes additional oversight topics identified for the coming year. These include hospital claims review, medical device reporting, excluded-physician-related services, and claims involving beneficiaries who travel significant distances for care.

3. Coronary Artery Stents

   Describes OIG review activity related to hospital claims involving coronary artery stent services. The section addresses documentation and claim review concerns in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

4. FDA adverse events reporting on medical devices

   Covers federal attention to medical device adverse event reporting requirements and related FDA follow-up activity. The section also notes the broader compliance context for facilities and manufacturers.

5. Services paid for by Medicare Part B and other federal health care programs that were ordered by physicians excluded from these programs

   Discusses services associated with physicians who are excluded from federal health care programs. The section focuses on program integrity concerns around ordering or performing covered services.

6. “Long distance” physician claims

   Addresses claims involving face-to-face physician encounters for beneficiaries traveling from outside the local area. The section frames this as an OIG audit concern tied to travel distance and ongoing care patterns.