medical billing transcription supplier information

The OIG's report on suppliers' billing and documentation practices for durable medical equipment (DME), prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) found that 61 percent of services were ordered using surrogate unique physician identification numbers (UPINs) rather than permanent UPINs. According to the OIG, the ordering physicians have had permanent UPINs for at least five years, when one-third of these services were ordered. For 17 percent of these services, the ordering physicians had individual permanent UPINs for at least 10 years before the dates of these services.

In addition, the OIG reported that supporting documentation was missing for 45 percent of services ordered using surrogate UPINs. The OIG recommended that CMS perform a targeted review of claims for medical equipment ordered with surrogate UPINs and continue to educate suppliers and physicians about the need to use accurate UPINs on claims. In addition, the OIG recommended that CMS advise physicians to stop using surrogate UPINs when they have a permanent UPIN. To read the report, go to http://oig.hhs.gov/oei/reports/oei-03-01-00270.pdf.

# posted by Medical Information : 4:50 AM