As discussed in previous reports, the final FY 2014 IPPS rule established new criteria for determining the appropriateness of inpatient admissions. In brief, under this policy, CMS generally will presume that surgical procedures, diagnostic tests, and other treatments are appropriate for Medicare Part A inpatient hospital payment when the physician admits a patient based on the expectation that the patient will require a stay of at least two midnights. On September 26, 2013, CMS issued FAQs on the new policy, in which it announces it is directing MACs and Recovery Audit Contractors (RACs) to limit review of hospital compliance with this policy. Specifically, MACs and RACs will be instructed not to review claims spanning more than two midnights after admission for a determination of whether the inpatient hospital admission and patient status was appropriate, and CMS will not permit RACs to review inpatient admissions of one midnight or less that begin on or after October 1, 2013 through the end of the year. On the other hand, CMS will instruct the MACs to conduct limited "probe" prepayment reviews of inpatient hospital claims spanning less than two midnights after admission to determine for medical necessity of the patient status in accordance with the two midnight benchmark to assess compliance and provide feedback to CMS for purposes of developing further education and guidance. Since the probe reviews will be conducted on a prepayment basis, hospitals can rebill denied inpatient hospital admissions in accordance with the IPPS rule. CMS notes that while medical review will not be focused this issue, "physicians should make inpatient admission decisions in accordance with the 2 midnight provisions in the final rule." Moreover, CMS warns that "evidence of systematic gaming, abuse or delays in the provision of care in an attempt to surpass the 2-midnight presumption could warrant medical review."

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