CMS Introduces Its esMD Pilot Enabling Providers to Electronically Submit Requested Documentation to Review Contractors

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) estimates that the Medicare Fee-For-Service Program issues billions of dollars in improper Medicare and Medicaid payments every year. The majority of improper payments are identified through the contractor’s manual review of the provider’s medical records compared with the provider’s claims. Review Contractors request medical records by mailing a paper letter to the provider. To fulfill a request for medical records, the provider typically has only two methods for submitting the records to the Review Contractor- paper mail or fax.

This month, CMS plans to implement Phase 1 of its voluntary Electronic Submission of Medical Documentation (esMD) pilot which will offer providers a more efficient method to deliver medical records to the Review Contractor that made the document request. During Phase 1 of esMD, providers will have the option to electronically submit medical records to the requesting contractor. To keep the medical records and other documentation secure during the electronic exchange between the provider and the contractor, esMD will employ the technology of the Nationwide Health Information Network called CONNECT-compatible gateways.

CMS plans to introduce Phase 2 of esMD in 2012. During this phase, Review Contractors will electronically send documentation requests to providers when the contractor selects their claims for review.

For more information on the esMD pilot, or if you have questions pertaining to documentation requests during the Medicare or Medicaid audit process, please contact a Wachler & Associates attorney at 248-544-0888.