The Need to Address Fraud

In recent weeks, USA Today, the New York Times and the Boston Globe have published stories highlighting Medicare fraud in the home health and hospice industries. The articles also noted the growth of the industry as a whole and most highlighted the cost-efficiency and patient preference of home-based care. As the population ages and healthcare costs must be better controlled, all trends continue to indicate that the home is the hospital of the future. But continued reports of wide-spread fraud will result in even greater government oversight and regulation.

To take advantage of the opportunities in the industry, it must address fraud. Agencies must identify areas of potential fraud and take steps to control and audit all actions.

One significant area of potential fraud is home health aide activity. Agencies should take steps today to better control this issue. Many agencies have found success using integrated mobile technology to track aide time and location as well as capture patient care documentation. This information is included at the patient account level where it can be reviewed by clinicians.

St. Joseph's Home Health Agency has successfully addressed this issue using an integrated system provided by Thornberry Ltd and AirClic. Using Web-enabled cell phones or PDA's, aides maintain communication with the office, enter start and stop times and can be located using the optional GPS system. The mobile device also delivers an up-to-date patient care plan, ensuring aides are aware of any changes. The system will not allow the aide to move forward until each area of care has been documented. In addition to providing the ability to track aide activity, the system also generated $67,000 in savings the first year.

To learn more about how an integrated mobile technology system can improve your compliance and reduce fraud, email or call 717.283.0980.