News Briefs: April 19, 2021

CMS’s supplemental medical review contractor (SMRC) has added outpatient therapy claims to its list of postpayment reviews, according to its website.[1] The SMRC, Noridian Healthcare Solutions LLC, will audit claims with dates of service from Jan. 1, 2018, through Dec. 31, 2018.

In a message posted April 15, HHS Principal Deputy Inspector General Christi Grimm reminded providers that vaccines should be administered free to patients.[2] “OIG is aware of complaints by patients about charges by providers when getting their COVID-19 vaccines. Providers that charge impermissible fees must refund them and ensure that individuals are not charged fees for the COVID-19 vaccine or vaccine administration in the future,” she said. “Consistent with the CDC Vaccination Program, providers are permitted to bill third-party payers (such as Medicare, Medicaid, the HRSA [Health Resources and Services Administration] COVID-19 Uninsured Program, or a private insurer) for an administration fee, in accordance with the payer's applicable billing rules.”

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