On February 18, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“CMS”) announced it will suspend the ability of Recovery Audit Contractors (“RACs”) to request documents associated with claims reviews until it procures the next round of Recovery Audit Program contracts. This is so that current RACs can complete all outstanding claim reviews and other processes by the end date of the current contracts.
Providers should note the following deadlines:
- February 21, 2014: Last day RACs may send a postpayment Additional Documentation Request (“ADR”);
- February 28, 2014: Last day Medicare Administrative Contractors (“MAC”) may send prepayment ADRs for the Recovery Auditor Prepayment Review Demonstration;
- June 1, 2014: Last day RACs may send improper payment files to the MACs for adjustment.
CMS will take this opportunity to also review (ADR) limits, timeframes for review and communications between RACs and providers.
