Medicare Recovery Audit Contractors (RAC) will be in full force in 2010 so now is the time to prepare. Not only does Medicare require documentation over-and-above the other payers, they are now hiring contract consultants to detect and correct past improper payments. Under this audit program, claims a therapy clinic submits, even if approved, is subject to audit.
If you are an owner or Director of a rehab clinic, then you understand the challenges of providing an ever-increasing standard of care - while at the same time - trying to improve your center's productivity and revenues in the face of diminishing reimbursements.
Rehabilitation is the typical fee-for-service program that the new auditors will target and it is important to note that claims can be audited as far back as October 1st 2007. The RAC auditors will be qualified therapists and certified coders who will know what they are looking for, and how to find it.
Therapy clinics that have been on the fence about transitioning from paper based documentation to an electronic medical records system should get on board in 2009. A good physical therapy software solution will enable clinics to overcome, and continue to thrive in the face of such government regulations. Complete and accurate clinical documentation is the key to meeting Medicare requirements and a good therapy software program that is integrated with billing is the best solution.
Look for therapy software that provides more than just a glorified word processor with PDF storage, but something that guides your therapist to the correct documentation and requires completion of that documentation. Clinic owners review some of the nation's large outpatient rehabilitation chains (such as Select Medical) when evaluating software. Companies like this use proven solutions that are typically available in a scalable, affordable solution for small clinics.
Details about RAC can be found at http://bit.ly/Lq7x5.
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