decisionhealth Newsletters, Coder Pink Sheets - 2003 Issue 12 (December)
OIG
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Article Overview
This article summarizes Office of Inspector General (OIG) audit and compliance focus areas for 2004 that may affect physician practices, especially orthopedics. It discusses broad documentation concerns tied to diagnostic testing, incident-to services, durable medical equipment documentation, and National Correct Coding Initiative-related modifier use, helping readers understand which operational areas were under scrutiny and why the topic is relevant for compliance review.
Why This Topic Matters
Practices can use this overview to identify documentation and billing workflows that may draw audit attention. It is especially useful for billing staff, coders, compliance personnel, and physicians who want to monitor risk areas tied to Medicare claims processing and supporting records.
Article Sections
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Medical necessity of diagnostic tests
This section addresses scrutiny of diagnostic testing documentation and related Medicare payment concerns. It focuses on the broader compliance issues around test ordering and support for services performed by physicians.
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Incident to
This section discusses billing and supervision considerations for incident-to services and supplies. It covers the operational context for office-based services performed under physician oversight.
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CMNs
This section covers certificate-of-medical-necessity documentation for durable medical equipment. It emphasizes the need for complete records supporting ordered items and physician review.
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National Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) modifiers
This section discusses review activity involving modifier use in the context of National Correct Coding Initiative edits. It focuses on compliance oversight related to claims processing and payment accuracy.
What You Will Learn
- Which general compliance areas were highlighted by the OIG for 2004
- How diagnostic test documentation was being scrutinized
- What broad issues were raised around incident-to billing
- Why durable medical equipment documentation and CMNs mattered
- How modifier use related to NCCI edit review
- Which types of practice workflows could be affected by audit focus
Who Should Read This
- Physicians
- Orthopedic practices
- Medical coders
- Billing staff
- Compliance officers
- Practice managers
Codes Discussed
Modifiers Discussed
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