The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a MLN Matters article providing an overview of Medicare policy regarding chiropractic services. CMS has determined, through numerous audits, that a significant portion of chiropractic service claims have been paid inappropriately. Medicare auditors have discovered that the most common errors include missing signatures, insufficient or absent documentation, and billing Medicare for medically unnecessary services. The MLN Matters article was published to help providers better understand Medicare coverage and payment requirements for chiropractic services. Proper compliance with Medicare coverage, coding and documentation requirements will result in a greater percentage of correct claim payments. Therefore CMS has provided a number of practical tips in an effort to reduce the number of improper payments being paid to chiropractors.
If you have any questions regarding Medicare coverage policies and requirements for chiropractic services, or any other health law questions, please contact a Wachler & Associates attorney at 248-544-0888.