RACs ask CMS to let them demand more of your records in 2010

Why This Topic Matters

Providers and billing teams need to understand audit pressure and documentation demand trends so they can anticipate compliance workload, track CMS policy changes, and prepare for expanded review activity.

Article Sections

1. RAC request for expanded medical record caps

   Overview of the Recovery Audit Contractors’ request to CMS for higher record-request limits and the reason cited for the change.

2. Current focus and expected shift in 2010

   Discussion of where RAC activity had been concentrated, which provider types had been most affected, and the expected expansion into physician practices.

3. Current physician documentation limits

   Summary of the provider-based documentation limit framework then in place for physician practices.

4. Demand letter volume and regional distribution

   Information about the reported volume of demand letters and the CMS regions where they had been primarily issued.