Part B Insider (Multispecialty) Coding Alert

Physician Notes:

OIG Enters 21st Century With New Online Fraud Hotline Site

Plus: CMS begins to build its ICD-10 Web site to help providers prepare for the 2013 changeover from ICD-9.

In an effort to streamline its reporting process, the OIG has finally introduced an online fraud reporting Web site, where complainants can fill out a form with details on potential fraud or abuse that they want to share with the government.

In the past, anyone had the ability to submit complaints to the OIG via phone or mail, and you'll still have those options going forward. But the OIG will also offer the online site, which "should result in a more expeditious referral of tips to the field for potential investigations, audits, and/or monetary recoveries," the OIG said in a May 12 statement on the topic.

In addition to the online form, the OIG also offers information on its Web site regarding the types of complaints that it most commonly receives. For instance, the site notes that many tips reported to the Web site are in regard to false claims, medical identity theft, kickbacks or inducements, abuse/neglect in nursing homes, and other topics.

To review the site, visit www.oig.hhs.gov/fraud/hotline/ . If  you'd like to review the online fraud reporting form, scroll to the bottom of the page and click "submit your complaint online."

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