In 2017, the HHS Office of the Inspector General (OIG) remained active in detecting Medicare and Medicaid provider violations, resulting in fines or settlements and exclusions from participation. There were over 3,100 ex...
OIG Semiannual Report to Congress Includes Largest Health Care Fraud Case in History
December 10, 2017
The HHS Office of the Inspector General (OIG) had a busy and fruitful six months from April to September of 2017, according to the Fall 2017 OIG semiannual report to Congress. The Health and Human Services (HHS) watchdog...
OIG’s Top Challenge Remains Medicaid Fraud – Harsher Action Is Evident
December 3, 2017
OIG Transparency In November, OIG released its 2017 report updating its top management challenges and strategic priorities. The first and second priorities continue to be Medicare and Medicaid program integrity. Though i...
Medicaid Program Integrity Identified by OIG as Top Challenge
November 1, 2017
In 2016, the Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) described its ten most pressing challenges across all HHS programs, including Medicaid. The challenges cover a range of issues including ...
Healthcare Businesses and Cybersecurity: Raising Awareness During National Cyber Security Month
October 23, 2017
As National Cyber Security Month draws to a close, it’s a good time to think about how everyone in a healthcare business has a part to play in keeping sensitive data protected and systems secure. Every employee must ta...
CMS Implements Emergency Waivers For Hurricane Harvey & Irma Stricken States
October 2, 2017
During the disaster, a state Medicaid program doesn’t have to screen and enroll a provider who is enrolled in Medicare or another state Medicaid program. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is temporar...
Hurricane Irma Claims Eight Deaths of Nursing Facility Residents in Florida
September 20, 2017
During a disaster like a hurricane, healthcare facilities face enormous challenges in keeping patients safe during the storm and afterward—especially if the power goes out. Eight residents in a skilled nursing facility...
Understanding Which Excluded Employees & Entities Are Problematic
September 19, 2017
When is an Excluded Individual or Entity Problematic? According to federal law, the OIG is legally permitted to enforce CMP (Civil Monetary Penalties) upon any individual or entity which breaches their regulations. Regu...
What is a DEA Number, Who Needs to screen it & How Does it Work?
September 6, 2017
Screening employees and potential hires is an important step in maintaining quality service and protecting oneself against federal law infringement. One of the areas that hospitals, credentialing offices, and medical fac...
