We appreciate the interest of our readers, and all the comments they send in. Thank you for your support.
A question we get from time to time concerns attorneys – specifically, do we want more attorneys to add to our list of RAC lawyers? The answer is – maybe yes and maybe no.
Allow us to explain.
The whole RAC program is new, and consequently few attorneys have experience with it. Especially when it comes to RAC physician audits, few doctors have experience with RAC up until now. The focus has been on hospitals, where the largest claims have been paid.
When the RAC sends a Demand Letter – or even a Request Letter – the clock is already ticking. It’s crucial that physicians take immediate action. Every doctor has an attorney, but what will be needed is specialized legal help from someone already familiar with the RAC appeal process and time frames. What they won’t need is an attorney who has to start from scratch.
So if anyone knows an attorney with RAC experience – such as representing a hospital or other provider in the RAC appeal process – send us an e-mail with contact information and we will get in touch with him or her. Also, we would be open to talking with attorneys experienced in appealing Medicare denials coming from audits other than RAC, as they can be brought up to speed with regard to the RAC differences.
Don’t Forget Accountants!
A physician looks to his or her CPA for financial advice, and certainly one area where a CPA should be knowledgeable is the RAC program. When RAC starts attacking their earnings, we think a lot of physicians will be disappointed that their CPAs didn’t warn them ahead of time.
If you know an accountant or CPA, point them to RacGuru.com so they can educate themselves quickly and help their doctor clients. Encourage them to contact us and help get the message out to physicians.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Winston Creath is an independent healthcare consultant working in the compliance and revenue cycle management arenas on behalf of physicians and clinics. He serves as President of National Business Solutions of GA, LLC. He can be reached at winston@nbsoga.com for questions or comments.
