Exclusive Article by Max Gottlieb for EMRIndustry.com
In an attempt to modernize Medicaid and prevent fraudulent care providers; many states are requiring in-home care providers to electronically verify their visits. Ohio is the latest example with official implementation beginning on the first of this month (July 2016). While not nationwide yet, states across America have begun to see the benefit of an Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) system in conjunction with their home and community based services. An EVV system can use multiple technology solutions including biometrics, GPS tracking, and telephony to verify the care provider is providing the care they’re claiming. Beyond saving money for the state, agencies that use EVV systems find they save on labor costs and payroll services. EVV systems also ensure that patients are receiving the necessary care at the time when it is supposed to be delivered.
At the federal and state levels, healthcare is moving towards increased auditing and reimbursement cuts, so it’s no surprise EVV is being embraced. As of now, there is no federal implementation of EVV systems, so care providers operate their own scheduling, billing processes, quality measures, and individual reporting methodologies. This can obviously cause disorganization and even without intentional fraud, you can see how verifying claims can become troublesome.
Here are three things you need to know about Electronic Visit Verification:
With states starting to see the advantage, it’ll help to stay ahead of the curve:
If you live in one of the states that have EVV as a requirement, like Ohio, Florida, South Carolina, Illinois, Texas, or Tennessee; then your agency should already be using EVV. But if you live in any of the states that are considering implementing EVV, then it’s best to get started now rather than wait for the statewide shift. As the government works to reduce costs and manage fraud, being prepared will only help you in the long run.
It’s easy to use and saves time and money:
Unless you’re using biometrics, there should be no extra hardware necessary. With telephony, a caregiver will call a designated phone number to mark the beginning of a care visit and once they’re done, will call that same number to check out and end the session. Many telephony systems can be combined with back office software and integrate directly with scheduling, billing, and employee management. These systems range in functionality, but overall operation is generally the same. Some systems are as simple as downloading an app onto a smart phone. An EVV system in the form of an app will automatically track the user’s location when they check in and out of a patient’s house.
In terms of saving money, care providers at home health agencies will spend less time verifying visits. Plus, since the visit is now in an electronic record, billing will take less time as well. With quicker billing, payments will be processed faster and the overall revenue cycle can be sped up.
It reduces errors and improves compliance:
EVV minimizes the risk of making any billing errors and guarantees the patient receives the care they’re supposed to receive. By checking in, clinicians are able to verify compliance at the correct time and location. This is not only useful for payroll, but that documentation can then be used to verify compliance for the agency. In case of an audit, EVV provides proof of care with no room for argument.
While there are many positive sides to using EVV, I’m sure there will be some resistance in the coming years. The idea and trademark have been around since the 1990s, but we’re finally starting to see the idea spotlighted on a legislative level. Just last month, a bill regarding mental health and Medicaid spending was created by the Energy and Commerce Committee, which calls for each state to use EVV by 2023 or face a penalty. The bill is waiting to pass through the House, but even if it fails, I doubt that it will be the last of its kind. It’s best to start thinking about this subject sooner rather than later.
Max Gottlieb is the content manager for Senior Planning. Senior Planning is a free service dedicated to helping seniors and their families secure benefits, find care, and choose between different types of senior living options.
