By: Matt Fischer
Medicare payment suspension can place serious financial strain on a company’s operations. As a result, many companies face the risk of closing its doors when a suspension is initiated. Nevertheless, CMS is able to issue such suspensions by meeting a relatively low threshold. Additionally, suspension decisions are not appealable leaving affected providers and suppliers with little options. Therefore, it is important to understand the suspension process and how to counter if a notice of suspension is received.
CMS can suspend payments to providers and suppliers based on “reliable information” of any of the following: (1) fraud or misrepresentation; (2) when an overpayment exists but the amount has not yet been determined; (3) when reimbursement paid to a provider or supplier may be incorrect; or (4) when a provider or supplier fails to submit requested records needed to determine amounts due. Suspensions are initiated by a request to CMS’ Office of Program Integrity by either law enforcement or a Medicare administrative contractor. Continue reading