ENFORCEMENT: OIG Recovered $21 Billion In 2009, With Plans To Stay "Aggressive" Going Forward

Why This Topic Matters

The article helps readers understand which service areas drew OIG scrutiny and how federal enforcement activity can affect compliance planning, documentation review, and internal audit priorities for medical practices.

Article Sections

1. OIG Semiannual Report to Congress

   An overview of the OIG’s reported savings and expected recoveries for fiscal year 2009. The section frames the report’s significance for Medicare and Medicaid oversight.

2. Consider These Examples

   A short set of example audit findings drawn from the report. It summarizes the broad categories of services discussed and the related enforcement themes.

3. Eye services

   Discussion of an audit involving ophthalmology-related Medicare services and global surgery periods. The section focuses on the service category and the related compliance concern.

4. Chiropractic procedures

   Discussion of Medicare payments involving chiropractic claims identified in the report. The section addresses the service area and the report’s enforcement emphasis.

5. Ultrasound

   Discussion of Medicare Part B ultrasound spending and geographic concentration patterns noted by the OIG. The section highlights claim-review concerns and oversight activity.