The OIG has defended its hospital compliance review policies in response to objections raised by the American Hospital Association (AHA). Specifically, a January 15, 2015 OIG letter addresses four main areas of AHA concern about the OIG's application of Medicare rules and policies: (1) the need for a physician order, (2) the treatment of canceled surgeries, (3) the rebilling of Medicare Part A claims under Part B, and (4) the review of claims beyond the statute of limitations. While the OIG letter cites legal authorities supporting its policies, the OIG did announce that given the "dynamic landscape" of Medicare inpatient short-stay policy, it has voluntarily suspended reviews of inpatient short-stay claims after October 1, 2013, consistent with the moratorium placed on the recovery audit contractors.

This article is presented for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice.