Tufts Medical Center plans to appeal an Office of Inspector General finding that the 415-bed acute care hospital in Boston must repay $1.09 million to Medicare due to inpatient claims billing errors for short-stays and same-day discharges and readmissions in 2009 and 2010.
The finding is the result of the OIG's second audit of the facility after the initial report in November 2012 revealed 117 inpatient claims required further evaluation.
During its most recent review, the OIG found Tufts failed to comply with Medicare billing requirements for 108 of the 117 inpatient claims, resulting in overpayments of $1.08 for calendar years 2009 and 2010. It recommended the facility pay back the money and strengthen controls to ensure full compliance with Medicare.
However, Tufts officials disagree with the OIG's findings and recommendations and in written comments told the agency it plans to appeal the disputed claims.
To learn more:
- read the OIG's second audit summary and report (.pdf)
- here's the initial audit report (.pdf)