“The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General recognized telehealth’s potential while cautioning that steps must be taken to ensure virtual care will not be compromised by fraud.”
“OIG Principal Deputy Inspector General Christi A. Grimm wrote in a statement on Friday that the quick pivot to telemedicine amidst the COVID-19 pandemic makes oversight, transparency, accountability and program integrity all the more important.”
“‘OIG is conducting significant oversight work assessing telehealth services during the public health emergency. Once complete, these reviews will provide objective findings and recommendations that can further inform policymakers and other stakeholders considering what telehealth flexibilities should be permanent,’ wrote Grimm.”
WHY IT MATTERS
“Grimm noted that for most people, telehealth expansion is viewed positively, given its potential to increase access, decrease burdens and enable better care…”
“Grimm in her statement also differentiated between telehealth fraud and “telefraud” schemes. Regarding the latter, the agency conducted investigations of fraud schemes that leveraged the reach of telemarketing schemes in combination with doctors conducting sham remote visits.”
“‘In many cases, the criminals did not bill for the sham telehealth visit. Instead, the perpetrators billed fraudulently for other items or services, like durable medical equipment or genetic tests,’ noted Grimm…” Read the full article here.
Source: HHS watchdog reiterates importance of preventing telemedicine fraud – By Kat Jercich, March 1, 2021. Healthcare IT News.
