What is the purpose of RACs?
What does a Recovery Audit Contractor (RAC) do? RAC’s review claims on a post-payment basis. The RAC’s detect and correct past improper payments so that CMS and Carriers, FIs, and MACs can implement actions that will prevent future improper payments.
What is a Mac audit?
MAC audits are powerful and intrusive procedures that have the potential to lead to serious federal charges for healthcare entities. A Recovery Audit Contractor (“RAC”) reviews claims and identifies overpayments from Medicare so that CMS and other auditors are able to prevent improper payments in the future.
How are RACs paid?
RACs are paid on a contingency fee basis, which means they are reimbursed based on a percentage of the improper payments they find or collect. The amount of the contingency fee is based on the amount of money from, or reimbursed to, providers.
Who performs RAC audits?
There are currently three firms that administer RAC audits, according to CMS’ website: Performant Recovery Inc., Cotiviti LLC and HMS Federal Solutions, and the company that comes calling depends on your agency’s geographic region.
How are RACs paid for their services?
How many years back can Medicare audit accounts and recover payment?
three years
RACs review claims on a post-payment basis and will be able to look back three years from the date the claim was paid.
What is a Mac in Medicare?
A Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) is a private health care insurer that has been awarded a geographic jurisdiction to process Medicare Part A and Part B (A/B) medical claims or Durable Medical Equipment (DME) claims for Medicare Fee-For-Service (FFS) beneficiaries.
What does Mac stand for in hospice?
Mid-arm circumference (MAC) is an important measure of nutritional status. Following a patient’s nutritional status is key for establishing eligibility for hospice care.
What triggers RAC audits?
RAC audits—which may be triggered by an innocent documentation error—are not one-time or intermittent reviews. They are part of a systematic and concurrent operating process created to ensure compliance with Medicare’s clinical payment criteria and documentation and billing requirements.
What is Mac A and Mac B?
A/B MACs. A/B MACs process Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B claims for a defined geographic area or “jurisdiction,” servicing institutional providers, physicians, practitioners, and suppliers. Learn more about A/B MACs at Who are the MACs.