Comprehensive Error Rate Testing (CERT) Announcement
The CERT Review Contractor has posted (link) their review year 2022 completion status. As of April 4, 2020, they have completed initial review of 34,400 claims out of 41,974 claims in the 2022 Annual Report (claims submitted to the MAC between July 1, 2020, and June 30, 2021).
Palmetto GBA JJ/JM MAC
New Address Information for CERT Review Contractor
Palmetto GBA, the Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) for Jurisdictions J and M, has published an article (link) to alert providers about the CERT Review Contractor’s move to a new location. The new address will be on letters beginning April 11, 2022. You will find the CERT Review Contractor’s new address, fax number, customer service toll free number and email in Palmetto’s article.
Cervical Discectomy Module
Palmetto GBA, has published a Cervical Discectomy module (link) focused on the roles of cervical spine, the differences between discectomy and fusion, and documentation requirements.
Spinal Cord Stimulatory Therapy Module
Palmetto GBA has also recently published a Spinal Cord Stimulator module (link) focused on the purpose of the spinal cord stimulator, coverage requirements for spinal cord stimulatory (SCS) therapy, and documentation requirements.
CERT: Inpatient Psychiatric Facility Checklist
Palmetto GBA posted a checklist (link) for providers to use when your claim(s) are selected for review by the CERT contractor. In this notice, they also provide links to their Psychiatric Inpatient Hospitalization Local Coverage Determination and related Billing and Coding article.
WPS J5/J8 MAC
New YouTube Video
WPS has released a new YouTube Video titled Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) CERT Findings (link). This video describes reasons for improper payments identified by the CERT Contractor for WPS claims and provides information on how to avoid these errors.
Therapy Assistants: What They Cannot Do
WPS published an article (link) noting they have identified that physical therapy assistants (PTAs) and occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) have been providing services outside CMS guidelines. The article details what activities that Medicare does not allow PTAs or OTAs to complete.
Livanta National Medicare Review Contractor
Livanta’s focus as the National Medicare Review Contractor is on performing Short Stay Review (SSR) and Higher Weighted DRG (HWDRG) reviews. Monthly, they release a publication titled The Livanta Claims Review Advisor. The March 2022 edition (link) focuses on Exploring Short-Stay Claim Review Guidelines and provides information about: