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The OIG Plans to Audit Telehealth Services

The OIG Plans to Audit Telehealth Services January 19, 2021

The OIG updated their Work Plan last week.  Through the update, they announced they will be conducting audits of Medicare Part B telehealth services performed during the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE).  CMS is looking to expand telehealth services beyond the PHE, as such, the OIG will begin conducting these audits in two phases.

The first phase of audits will focus on services such as evaluation and management, opioid use order, end-stage renal disease, and psychotherapy to determine if the services meet Medicare requirements. 

The second phase will include additional audits of Medicare Part B telehealth services related to distant and originating site locations, virtual check-in services, electronic visits, remote patient monitoring, use of telehealth technology, and annual wellness visits to determine if the Medicare requirements are met.

We recommend providers review the Workplan in its entirety and conduct internal auditing and monitoring of services included in the Workplan as well as provide staff education and training as needed to ensure proper billing. 

The Workplan can be viewed here: https://oig.hhs.gov/reports-and-publications/workplan/updates.asp

HBE’s team of coding and compliance experts is available to assist you with external reviews of your documentation, coding and reimbursement as well as providing customized education and training for your staff.  We are also available to provide assistance with conducting risk assessments, internal investigations and policy and procedure development.  

DISCLAIMER:  This newsletter contains only summary information and highlights; it should be read in conjunction with the full article or document provided as a link.  Any advice or recommendations are general and specific questions should be directed to professional counsel.

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