OIG plans to look for excessive ultrasound usage in 2008

Why This Topic Matters

The topic is relevant because ultrasound claims can be vulnerable to denials and audit review when documentation, supervision, or procedure completeness does not align with payer expectations. Understanding the scope of the OIG focus helps practices assess compliance risk and prepare for potential review activity.

Article Sections

1. OIG work plan and utilization focus

   Introduces the OIG’s planned review of ultrasound utilization patterns and the general Medicare billing context behind the effort. It also describes the geographic concentration of claims highlighted in the article.

2. 4 things to remember about ultrasounds

   Summarizes broad compliance and documentation themes discussed by the article, including specificity, examination support, supervision, and procedure alignment with CPT guidance.

3. OIG response and timing

   Provides the agency’s limited public comments and the expected timing for the review activity and related report.