Radiology Providers and Independent Diagnostic Testing Facilities (“IDTFs”) Subject to RAC Audits
Our attorneys represent and counsel radiology providers, including physician groups and independent diagnostic testing facilities (“IDTFs”), in all aspects of healthcare law, including with Recovery Audit Contractor (“RAC”) and other Medicare audits.
The RAC program will be operating in numerous states this year, and will be nationwide by 2010. Radiology providers, including Independent Diagnostic Testing Facilities (“IDTFs”), should prepare now for increased scrutiny of their Medicare claims.
Compliance risk areas for radiology providers, including IDTFs, include the following:
- Maintaining appropriate documentation and medical records; and
- Increasing scrutiny of radiology procedures, such as ultrasound procedures.
Radiology providers, including IDTFs, must prepare now for increased Medicare scrutiny of claims.
Wachler & Associates, P.C., has represented providers, suppliers and other healthcare entities subject to Medicare audits and claim denials for over 20 years. During the RAC demonstration program, our firm successfully represented numerous entities with their appeals of claim denials and overpayment determinations.
Other Legal Issues Impacting Radiology Providers
In addition to providing representation with RAC and Medicare audits, our lawyers also assist and counsel radiology providers regarding the following healthcare law issues: fraud and abuse and Stark law analysis; Anti-Markup issues; billing and compliance issues; corporate formation development; acquisition and operation of imaging centers; and other healthcare legal matters.
Publications and Speaking Engagements
Attorneys from our law firm are often asked to write and speak to radiology provider groups, and on topics impacting radiology provider groups. Recent writing and speaking engagements include, but are not limited to, the following:
Publications
"The 2009 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule: The Anti-Markup Rule and IDTF Developments Impacting Diagnostic Testing Services," co-author Andrew B. Wachler, Esq., The Health Lawyer, The ABA Health Law Section, Vol. 21, No. 3, February, 2009.
“Recovery Audit Contractors and Medicare Audits: Successful Strategies for Defending Audits,” co-author Andrew B. Wachler, Esq., Radiology Business Journal, Vol. 3, No. 8, August 13, 2008.
“CMS Finalizes Major Stark Changes – New Physician Self-Referral Rules in the 2009 IPPS Final Rulemaking Will Require Restructuring of Many Common Healthcare Arrangements,” co-author Andrew B. Wachler, Esq., The Health Lawyer, The ABA Health Law Section, October, 2008.
“2008 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule: Despite Non-Finalization of Stark Proposals, Final Rule Contains Major Implications for Diagnostic Testing Arrangements,” co-author Andrew B. Wachler, Esq., The Health Lawyer, The ABA Health Law Section, February, 2008.
“Stark II Phase III – The Full Picture,” co-author Andrew B. Wachler, Esq., Special Edition: The Health Lawyer, The Health Lawyer, The ABA Health Law Section, September, 2007.
Speaking Engagements
"RAC Audit Appeals- Strategies and Defenses for Overturning Hospital RAC Denials," National Healthcare Compliance Audioconference, May 5, 2009
“New Developments in Medicare Audits: Recovery Audit Contractors – Defense and Compliance Strategies,” 2008 Radiology Business Management Association (RBMA) Annual Meeting, September 4, 2008 – September 6, 2008.
“Recovery Audit Contractors and Medicare Audits,” 2008 RBMA Annual Meeting, May 4, 2008 - May 7, 2008.
“New Developments in Third Party payor Audits,” 2007 Radiology Summit of RBMA, 2007.
“Recent Developments and Key Legal Issues Impacting Radiology Practices,” AHRA 2008 Annual Meeting & Exposition, July 27, 2008 – July 31, 2008.
“Recent Developments and Key Legal Issues Impacting Radiology Practices,” AHRA 2007 Annual Meeting & Exposition, July 8, 2007 – July 12, 2007.
Contact Us
Call us at 248-544-0888 or send us an e-mail to schedule a meeting to discuss your concerns with RACs or to discuss your other healthcare law-related needs.
