According to a May 2014 report based on 2010 data, HHS is claiming Medicare overpaid $6.7 billion in E/M payments to providers.
The Inspector General’s report, released on May 29, 2014 estimates that 21% of the $32.3 billion spent on E/M services in 2010 are overpayments. This data is based on 657 Medicare claims.
Although HHS stated that it isn’t going to immediately go back and recoup what they believe are overpayments, they may in the future. They are currently conducting a second review of 13,500 claims, which is nearly complete. At which point they will reassess their decision.
Additional Information:
- HHS May 2014 Report: IMPROPER PAYMENTS FOR EVALUATION AND MANAGEMENT SERVICES COST MEDICARE BILLIONS IN 2010
- ProPublica article: Medicare Overpays Billions for Office Visits, Patient Evaluations