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Unified Program Integrity Contractors Audits

UPIC stands for Unified Program Integrity Contractors. Created by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), UPIC audits are used to identify and remedy fraud in Medicare and Medicaid. UPICs have nearly replaced ZPICs (Zone Program Integrity Contractors) as the primary mechanism for CMS to pursue fraud and abuse audits. There are currently five UPIC jurisdictions that monitor the entire country, with each zone comprising anywhere from seven to 12 states. They also audit United States territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Island, American Samoa, and the Northern Marianas Islands. The zones are aligned with each state or territory’s Medicare Administrative Contractors (MAC) zone.

Who Is At Risk For UPIC Audit?

While some think UPIC audit selection is arbitrary, it’s usually based on two things: consumer complaints or data analysis. Consumer complaints usually come from employees or their beneficiaries. Data Analysis, however, will uncover patients with extended home health care visits, patients with long stays in hospice care, or acute care facilities with either a large number of cases or an unusual mix of cases.

Educate Your Staff

Make sure your staff fully understands all requirements as they relate to Medicare coding and billing. As well, make sure you outline and educate each staff member on your records management procedures.

If you’re wondering whether your organization is at risk of a UPIC Audit, these tips will help you get headed in the right direction. It’s important to remember, however, that navigating the broad Medicare regulatory landscape can be a very daunting and expensive task. It’s always best to consult with an experienced health care law attorney. They’ll help you and your organization navigate the way through the UPIC Audit process.

How To Prepare For A UPIC Audit

First, learning that your organization is being subjected to a UPIC Audit isn’t an accusation; it’s merely an investigation to ensure fraud hasn’t occurred. But it’s important to implement the following to reduce any potential red-flag occurrences. If a UPIC Audit should occur, implementing the following will help you answer questions, provide appropriate documentation, and maintain accountability:

Implement An Effective Plan

  • Make sure you fully understand each of the regulatory and statutory provisions related to the services you bill to Medicare.
  • Ensure all of your coding, documentation and billing practices adhere to these rules.
  • If you discover any inconsistencies, remedy them immediately, and make sure the plan addresses how these will be prevented in the future.

Never Ignore Any Requests For UPIC Documents

  • Reply promptly to any documentation requests by your UPIC.
  • Failure to do so could result in your organization’s suspension from participation in the Medicare program.

Educate Your Staff On Medicare Coding And Billing Requirements

  • Explain all requirements in full so that your staff can properly do their job when they bill Medicare.  Preventing mistakes up front is a much better strategy than having to deal with the fallout of mistakes later.
  • If you think you may be a candidate for a UPIC Audit, these tips should help you get things in order.  Remember that Medicare regulations are a vast, expansive minefield that are not easy to navigate.  An experienced health law attorney is a great resource to have on your side in the event of a UPIC Audit.

Learn What Kennedy Attorneys & Counselors at Law Can Do For You

Reach out to us today. Call 945-218-2698 or send us an email. Our attorneys can meet with you to discuss the issues at hand and build an effective strategy to move forward.