PHYSICIAN NOTES: Medicare 'Bounty Hunters' Haven't Targeted Physicians-Yet

Why This Topic Matters

The article highlights several operational and compliance issues that can affect physician practices, from audit exposure and claim edits to supervision requirements and Medicare appeals logistics. It helps readers monitor policy and enforcement developments that may influence documentation, billing workflows, and regulatory risk.

Article Sections

1. Medicare audit activity and physician scrutiny

   Discusses early Recovery Audit Contractor activity and the status of physician claims review in selected states. It also notes how CMS staff are tracking the issue.

2. Medicare multiple surgery indicator update

   Addresses a CMS policy issue involving the multiple surgery indicator applied to endovenous ablation procedures. The section references related add-on code status and follow-up with CMS staff.

3. Other Medicare and regulatory updates

   Summarizes additional items including smoking cessation counseling session edits, a state supreme court ruling on nurse anesthetist supervision, a physician enforcement case, and a new Medicare hearings office.