Next Round of Audit Key Submissions Starts April 17

Tool helps industry collect audit data in order to help make its case for reforming CMS’s audit program.

• By David Kopf
• Apr 06, 2017

As the RAC audit program makes its return, the American Association for Homecare has announced that it will begin taking submissions for the First Quarter 2017 HME Audit Key survey on April 17. Also, the installment is now easier for HME businesses using Brightree software.

The Audit Key program aims to help the industry better understand the impact of Medicare claims audits, and provide detailed information that helps make the industry’s legislative and regulatory case for reforming CMS’s audit program.

In addition to helping the industry make its case on Capitol Hill, the Audit Key program offers a business upside, according to AAHomecare. Individual suppliers can access to their own quarterly survey numbers, as well as aggregate survey results and key findings in order to compare their audit volumes and appeal overturn rates against the aggregate findings in the report.

Also, HME businesses using Brightree LLC software can now print a report that will help answer many of the operational questions on the Audit Key survey, according to AAhomecare, which will provide additional details on the new tool next week. The association noted its application for Brightree for its support in developing this resource to support the Audit Key.

Key things to keep in mind when signing up:

• Providers that did not participate in the earlier data submission rounds can can still take part in the Q4 survey.
• Suppliers can go to HMEAuditKey.org to register.
• Participation is free; all that is requires is an organization's NPIs and respective five-digit zip code to register.

Also, the survey does not require providers to share individual claims data. Instead, the survey seeks cumulative counts of pre- and post-payment audits and appeal claim outcomes under DME MAC, RAC and SMRC reviews. The program assures data security and does not share providers’ information. Provider data is only included in in aggregate data.

“For those of you who have not yet delved into the system, please be assured that the Audit Key does not require you to submit data on individual claims, but instead seeks cumulative counts of pre- and post-payment audits and appeal claim outcomes under DME MAC, RAC and SMRC reviews,” a statement from AAHomecare read.

For help with the Audit Key program, providers can fill out a support contact form email support@HMEAuditKey.org, or call (844) HME-AKEY (844-463-2539).

For providers wanting to learn more about the return of the RAC program, make sure to sign up for HMEB's "The RAC is Back! Are you ready?" webinar, which will be presented by The van Halem Group's Kelly Grahovac on April 27.