“When Medicare claims are submitted correctly, everyone benefits.” That’s what CMS says verbatim on its website about the newly-launched targeted probe and educate audits that are designed to reduce denials and appeals through one-on-one education.

During an AAPC chapter meeting on February 13 in Providence, Rhode Island, Lori Langevin, education consultant at National Government Services (NGS), walked attendees through the process. NGS is the Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) for jurisdictions 6 and K.

“It’s all about lessening the burden on providers,” she said.

Here’s how it works: MACs use data analysis to identify providers/suppliers with high error rates or unusual billing practices. Common claim errors include an omitted physician signature, lack of medical necessity, or incomplete certification. The initial probe includes a review of 20-40 claims. Practices have 45 days to respond to the request for documentation, though Langevin says 30 days is best practice. A lack of response equates to an error, she added.

After the review, providers receive a letter detailing the results. They’ll also have an option to receive one-on-one education via teleconference or webinar. During these sessions, providers will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn about the specific CMS policies that apply to each claim.

Langevin was unable to provide a concrete definition of what constitutes a high error rate, though she did say that she anticipates E/M codes and prolonged services will be targeted due to the high error typically associated with these services. Other targets will likely include topics that have surfaced during CERT and RAC audits, she added.

The overarching goal of these audits is to reduce the administrative burden on providers and MACs, said Langevin. Not only is it costly for providers to appeal denials, but it’s also costly for MACs to review the appeals and potentially overturn the denials. The probe and educate audits will hopefully drive process improvement, she said.

To learn more about targeted probe and educate audits, view this FAQ.