Will You Be Prepared for a CMS Meaningful Use Audit?
Punta Gorda, FL (PRWEB) August 19, 2014 -- With CMS Meaningful Use (MU) audits on the rise, Innovative Healthcare Services (IHS) announced recently a new service to help healthcare organizations be prepared for a potential MU audit. The impact of these audits is being seen across the U.S. and failure to pass an audit results in having to pay back 100 percent of any incentive monies received.
There is no remediation period. The audited party has to return the payment. A provider who has failed an audit under the Medicare or Medicaid EHR Incentive Program does have appeal rights. When submitting an appeal relating to a failed audit, a provider can choose not to repay at that time. However, if the appeal is denied, the incentive payment must be repaid and additional interest may be charged.
If just one element of an attestation is discovered to be unsubstantiated, the entire incentive payment can be revoked and typically, some people lose their jobs.
Estimates range from five to 20 percent of attested providers will be subject to an audit. Hospitals that are dually-eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentives programs may be at a higher risk for audit.
How can you be prepared? Here are seven effective steps that will help you be prepared for a MU audit. 1. Create a comprehensive robust book of evidence. 2. Define the role of internal audit. 3. Formulate guiding principles. 4. Create audit tracking tools. 5. Determine stakeholders and roles. 6. Conduct “mock” audit. 7. Obtain feedback and update processes.
IHS can help you with these seven steps. You can be audited for up to six years post-attestation. It may not be hard to assemble this information during the first year (of program participation) but as things are upgraded and new versions come out, this will be vitally important. If you would like more information on how to prepare for a possible MU audit, visit http://www.ihsconsulting.com.
About Innovative Healthcare Solutions
Innovative Healthcare Solutions, Inc. (IHS) is a healthcare information systems consulting firm with a cost-effective, proven approach that guides and assists your organization to plan, implement and manage information systems and services. Our consistent methodology ensures the transfer of IHS’ knowledge and experience, allowing you to meet your business objectives and empower your staff.
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Ford Phillips, Innovative Healthcare Solutions, http://www.ihsconsulting.com, +1 (618) 463-1027, [email protected]
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