During a podcast, “UPIC Audits: How Providers Should Respond,” Lori Foley, PYA Managing Principal of Revenue & Compliance Advisory and Atlanta Office Managing Principal, along with Brenna Jenny, Partner with Sidley Austin LLP, discuss Medicare Unified Program Integrity Contractors (UPIC) and the UPIC audit process. The podcast was hosted by the American Health Law Association (AHLA) on November 7.
In the podcast, Foley and Jenny describe the traits of a UPIC audit, the audit process from the medical record review request to probe to referral, and the effectiveness of UPICs. They help providers who receive an audit request strategize on their response, and they assist all providers with building robust compliance programs.
“The more expanded audits have a fast turnaround time,” Foley says, “so it’s important for practices…to have a strong process [to ensure the] notifications get to the right person as soon as they are received….[The] record requests are extensive.”
Foley explains the value of a close inspection of the audit notification and the records being requested to help the provider identify potential risks and errors to address. She says providers can proactively track their record requests, audits, and denials and suggests they use that information to proactively look for patterns, areas for improvement, and ways to update training, policies, and compliance programs.
AHLA’s Speaking of Law podcast series provides “commentary on the legal and policy issues affecting the American health care system,” according to its website. The series is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Buzzsprout.
If you need assistance with UPIC audits, assessing your compliance program, or any other matter related to regulatory requirements, strategy, and transactions, our executives are happy to help. Contact them via email or by calling (800) 270-9629.
