RAC Complex Reviews to Arrive as Soon as August

"Providers should check their RAC's Web site often for any newly approved issues for review to anticipate their vulnerability to reviews and take backs," says Kimberly Anderwood Hoy, JD, CPC, director of Medicare and compliance for HCPro, Inc.

Even though CMS has delayed the rollout of certain types of complex reviews, providers shouldn't ease off on their RAC preparation activities.

"Use the time wisely to continue performing your own internal vulnerability audits and ensure that all of your policies and procedures are up-to-date. Consider this a little extra time to get your facility ready for those appeals," says Tanja Twist, MBA/HCM, director of patient financial services at Methodist Hospital of Southern California.

Editor's note: Twist and Hoy will be speaking at the upcoming conference, "Medicare Compliance Forum: A Strategic Approach to RACs, Observation Status and the Role of Physician Advisors," which will be held in Atlanta this October. Twist will also be featured in the July 21 HCPro audio conference, "Medicare Appeals: Practical and Compliant Procedures for Overturning Denials."