Therapy Documentation Software is important to prepare for Medicare Audits especially for Recovery Audit Contractors that may visit your Rehab Clinic

With the new Medicare Recovery Audit Contractors (RACs) upon us, now is the time to take preventative action. Not only does Medicare require documentation over-and-above the other payers…they have now awarded contracts to four RACs to detect, and correct past improper payments. Under this audit program, every claim you submit, even if it is approved, is subject to audit. The first line of defense in a Medicare overpayment is having complete and adequate clinical documentation to establish the medical necessity of the service provided. Rehabilitation is the typical fee-for-service program that the new auditors will target.  They will review claims as far back as October 1st 2007.  Since the RACs will be required to hire qualified therapists and certified coders . . . they will know what they are looking for, and how to find it.

That’s why all rehab clinics should transition from paper based documentation to an electronic medical records system.  Look for therapy software that provides more than just a glorified word processor with pdf storage, but something that guides your therapist to the correct documentation and requires completion of that documentation.  Clinic owners can evaluate software by looking at the solution used by some of the nation’s large outpatient rehabilitation chains (such as Select Medical). Companies like this use proven solutions that are typically available in a scalable, affordable solution for small clinics.

Medicare Recovery Audit Contractors (RAC) will be in full force in 2010 so now is the time to prepare. Not only does Medicare require documentation over-and-above the other payers, they are now hiring contract consultants to detect and correct past improper payments. Under this audit program, claims a therapy clinic submits, even if approved, is subject to audit.

If you are an owner or Director of a rehab clinic, then you understand the challenges of providing an ever-increasing standard of care – while at the same time – trying to improve your center’s productivity and revenues in the face of diminishing reimbursements.  Those who are on the fence about  transitioning from paper based documentation to an electronic medical records system should get on board quickly.  A good physical therapy software solution will enable clinics to overcome, and continue to thrive in the face of such government regulations. Complete and accurate clinical documentation is the key to meeting Medicare requirements and a good therapy software program that is integrated with billing is the best solution.

Details about RAC can be found at http://bit.ly/Lq7x5.

For information on TherapySource Physical Therapy Software Solution, Visit http://sourcemed.net/therapy/2466.php.

About the Author

Jill Howell has over 25 years of experience in the Medical Industry. She graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a Bachelors in Marketing where she also earned a Scientific MBA with an emphasis in new product research, development and launch in the medical industry. She is currently the Director of Marketing at Source Medical Software Solutions.

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