The New York Times has disclosed the results of an important investigation to be issued on Wednesday, September 30, 2015 by the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services. The Times article indicates nursing homes from around the county regularly file claims for the highest, most expensive level of therapy, regardless of what patients required or what was ordered by a physician.
Department of Health and Human Services Inspector General, Daniel R. Levinson is set to announce nursing homes have been up-charging Medicare for more and more patients. The investigation indicates residents in nursing homes are being charged for the highest level of therapy even in cases where that level of therapy was not originally ordered by any physician.
The government indicates federal payments to nursing homes may be increasing for reasons unrelated to the condition or characteristics of patients. The report will cite evidence that some nursing homes are exploiting the system to optimize and increase revenues independent of the care needs of their residents.
Sylvia Mathews Burwell, the secretary of the US Health and Human Services who issues Medicare payments to nursing homes, said Medicare will be stepping up efforts to prevent fraud and detect "suspicious billing behavior" by nursing homes.
It is recommended families discuss and understand the physical therapy ordered by the doctor for their loved ones in a nursing home. Families should then keep track of the therapy provided so the make sure the care promised and charged for in a nursing home is actually provided.
If you believe that a loved one may be the victim of nursing home neglect or elder abuse in Nebraska or Western Iowa, you should take action quickly. Call Burnett Wilson Law at (402) 810-8611 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.