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:
"Audit Impact: Expanded Liability for Overpayments," Andrew B. Wachler, Esq. and Jennifer Colagiovanni, Esq.,The RAC Monitor, July 2011.
"Weathering a Medicare Audit: Overview of the Medicare Appeals Process," Andrew B. Wachler, Esq. and Jennifer Colagiovanni, Esq., MGIS Talking Points Newsletter, Vol.2 No. 3, June 23, 2011.
"Contractor Involvement in the Medicare Appeals Process," Andrew B. Wachler, Esq. and Jennifer Colagiovanni, Esq., The RAC Monitor, June 13, 2011.
"One Year Later The Impact of Health Care Reform on Health Care Provider Audits and Compliance Programs," Andrew B. Wachler, Esq., Jennifer Colagiovanni, Esq., and Christopher J. Laney, Esq., Michigan Bar Journal, June 2011.
"Space-Sharing and Leasing for IDTFs: A Clarification of the Rules and Standards,"Christopher J. Laney, Esq., Wachler & Associates, P.C., The Michigan Medical Law Report, Spring 2011.
"RAC Medical Necessity Denials of Inpatient Services - Fair & Equitable Reimbursement," Andrew B. Wachler, Esq., The RAC Monitor, April 21, 2011.
"The Use of Payment Suspensions in the Audit Landscape," Amy K. Fehn, Esq. and Jennifer Colagiovanni, Esq., The RAC Monitor, March 24, 2011.
"Prepare for Increased RAC Activity in 2011," Andrew B. Wachler, Esq. and Jennifer Colagiovanni, Esq., Wachler & Associates, The RAC Monitor, December 7, 2010.
"RACs, ZPICs, and More - The Latest Improper Payment Initiatives for Governing Audits," MGMA Webinar regarding Recent Proper Payment Initiatives, May 12, 2011.
"Preparing for and Surviving a Third Party Payor Audit," Indiana Medical Society in Merrillville, IN, April 27, 2011.
"The New Landscape of Audits: MICs, MACs, RACs and ZPICs" co-presented with Susan Emanuel, System RAC Coordinator, Catholic Healthcare West, Phoenix, AZ; and Dawn Crump Network Director of Compliance, SSM Health Care St. Louis, Orlando, FL, HCCA's 15th Annual Compliance Institute, April 13, 2011.
"Medicaid RAC Appeals - Similarities and Differences with Medicare RAC Requirements and Processes," 5th Annual Medicare RAC Summit, Washington, D.C., March 9-11, 2011.
"Full Steam Ahead: Latest Developments in Medicare and Medicaid," co-presented with James G. Sheehan, Office of the New York State Medicaid Inspector General, American Bar Association (ABA) Emerging Issues Conference, New Orleans, LA, February 23-25, 2011.
"Medicare and Medicaid Audits: A Year in Review," American Health Lawyers Association (AHLA) Hospital and Health Systems Law Institute, Las Vegas, NV, February 11, 2011.
Please click here for a more complete listing of our attorneys' publications and speaking engagements.
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.
