Dealing with Medicare recovery auditors, or RACs, has become a significant financial issue for hospitals.
Since the RAC program launched in late 2009, it has recouped more than $5.4 billion from healthcare providers. According to the American Hospital Association's Web-based RACTrac survey, RAC activity has been rising, and many hospitals spend thousands of dollars managing the auditing process.
For hospitals and health systems looking to learn more, here are three stories from the past month that tackle recent RAC issues and address how hospitals should handle audits.
1. 5 Big Mistakes Hospitals Make When Dealing With RAC Audits
A healthcare industry expert highlights five common mistakes hospitals make with RAC audits.
2. 3 Key Medicare RAC Issues for Hospitals
During a Dec. 12 webinar, Mr. Ward and AHA senior associate directors Robyn Bash and Melissa Jackson gave a summary of the third quarter RACTrac results and discussed other RAC-related policy issues.
3. AHA Urges Congress, CMS to Address Medicare RAC Appeals Suspension
The American Hospital Association has urged CMS to address a suspension in administrative law judge hearings concerning payment denials from Medicare recovery audit contractors.
More Articles on Medicare RACs:
Coalition Asks HHS to Reform Medicare RAC Appeals Process
OIG: First-Level Medicare Appeals Up 33% From 2008 to 2012
AHA Asks Hospitals to Participate in Medicare RAC Survey