WASHINGTON, DC – The industry must be able to demonstrate the burdensome nature of audits, both in terms of volumes and overturn rates. If we cannot accurately detail how the industry is being impacted, we will not be able to succeed in obtaining needed reform to the audit process.

That’s why more than a year ago, AAHomecare started a project called the HME Audit Key. The goal of the HME Audit Key is to collect data from providers about how many audits are happening at each level, and where they are in the appeals process.

The results are going to be used to drive much needed improvements in the Medicare audit system. The companies who participate are going to have the added benefits of using the results to identify audit trends within their company, educate staff and take measures to prevent future audits.

Going Forward
We know that HME providers are feeling the pain. With so many resources tied up in a broken appeals system, where claims and their associated payments can hang in limbo for more than three years, businesses are breaking under the strain. AAHomecare is working on legislative and regulatory angles to reform the audit system, but we need the HME Audit Key to be able to demonstrate the burdensome nature of audits, both in terms of volumes and overturn rates.

Even with clear challenges in front of us, we can no longer wait to launch the HME Audit Key to the industry. AAHomecare has opened the enrollment period for the Audit Key. From now through the end of December of 2015, companies can sign up to participate and start the pre-work necessary for the collection phase, which will run during January of 2016.

There are three easy steps:
1) Register your company and obtain an organizational ID. This is what protects the anonymity and security of your data.
2) Watch the helpful HME Audit Key webinars and download the educational materials. These tools explain what data elements are needed to complete the survey.
3) Start building out processes that will track the right data elements from the fourth quarter of 2015 in a way that is compatible with the HME Audit Key. AAHomecare is a resource that can help with this.

In January of 2016, all registered providers will be notified when they can start inputting their data into the system, which will probably be over a two-week period at the end of the month.

If your company has questions about the HME Audit Key, start by taking the first step of registering your company at HMEAuditKey.org. There you can learn more about how the Audit Key works and receive updates on the project.

I am happy to answer questions and provide deeper insights on how to get involved. The bottom line is that making a compelling case for audit reform requires this data. Let’s spend less time complaining about audits and more time doing what it takes to make a difference. AAHomecare will be at Medtrade (Booth #2210) and I encourage you to chat with us in person if you will be at the show. Medtrade takes place Oct 26-29, 2015, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. Click Here for more information.

Kim Brummett is vice president of Regulatory Affairs for the American Association for Homecare, Washington, DC. She also serves on the Medtrade educational advisory board. She can be reached via e-mail: [email protected]

Audit Happy Hour and More Brings Valuable Networking to Medtrade
ATLANTA – If you take the time to attend Medtrade, make the most of your trip with networking events designed to inspire and inform. “Events such as our new Audit Happy Hour and HME Breakfast Club contribute to a full Medtrade experience,” says Gaffney. “They are fun, informative, and include valuable peer-to-peer interactions that I call the ‘secret sauce’ of any trade show.”

Audit Happy Hour, for example, costs only $30, which includes an open bar and plenty of experts who are ready and willing to answer questions. See below for more information and registration details.

The Audit “Happy” Hour – New for Medtrade
Sponsored by: ACU-Serve
Oct 26  •  5:30 pm – 6:30 pm

There’s not much happiness when it comes to audits – unless you’re figuring out how to navigate them. We’re making it fun by giving you that opportunity, and a chance to meet with experts at a relaxed networking reception. So grab a glass of wine or beer (audits do drive us to drink, right?!), and meet with audit experts at this unique Q&A and networking opportunity. Click Here for more information.

• Click Here to explore summaries of the eight audit sessions scheduled at Medtrade, which will take place Oct 26-29, 2015, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.