Physicians: OIG Scare Tactics Aim To Keep E/M Levels Down

Why This Topic Matters

The piece helps readers understand which billing areas were drawing OIG attention and why those areas could affect physician compliance practices and audit exposure.

Article Sections

1. Physician billing scrutiny and E/M levels

   Introduces federal concern around physician billing patterns and the general focus on evaluation and management services.

2. Billing service company relationships

   Describes the OIG’s review of relationships between billing companies and physicians’ offices and the possible compliance implications.

3. 2005 Work Plan items affecting physicians

   Summarizes additional areas identified for review in the OIG’s annual work plan that may affect physician billing and oversight.

4. Care Plan Oversight in home health

   Covers the planned review of physician claims related to home health care oversight and the broader billing context for these services.

5. Skilled nursing facility billing issues

   Discusses physician billing in skilled nursing facilities and the concern about duplicate billing or related payment arrangements.