September 4, 2007
Comprehensive Error Rate Testing (CERT)
Request for Documentation
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) established the Comprehensive Error Rate Testing (CERT) program to measure the accuracy of Medicare payments. The accuracy of these payments is established through a review of randomly selected claims submitted by health care providers along with supporting documentation obtained from the corresponding medical records. Participation in the CERT review is not optional; it is imperative that you respond to requests for medical record documentation from the CERT contractor. Although you have the same appeal rights with CIGNA Government Services as in any other situation, this could be an unnecessary, time-consuming process.
No response = no records = overpayment = taking money back
To obtain the appropriate documentation for the CERT review, refer to both the Bar Coded Sheet (lists needed records), and the Medical Records/Documentation Pull List (it shows the specific codes and rendering provider’s number).
If you receive a CERT records request letter, please note:
- You, as the billing provider, are responsible for taking the necessary steps to obtain records, from third parties such as hospitals, nursing homes, etc.
- The CERT Documentation Contractor (CDC) will not pay for in-house or outsourced copying of any requested records. Please do not send bills or invoices to the CDC.
- The CERT record request letters do not specify the place of service. JUST procedure codes, modifiers and ICD-9 diagnoses codes are listed. No narrative descriptions are given.
- Only the rendering/performing providers’ Medicare Part B numbers will be shown. No actual names and designations are currently given.
- Be careful to obtain the correct records for the specific patient/date or dates of service/codes(s) and provider. This is especially true IF multiple providers from your practice performed services for the patient during the same time frames outlined in the letter. Pay particular attention to this if inpatient care is involved.
- The Claim Date and/or Universe Date are NOT the dates of service. They describe an “entry” date. It merely represents the day when the processing of your submitted claim first began at CIGNA Government Services. Please see Service From/To Dates for the actual date(s) of service.
- It is not a violation of HIPAA to send records. NO SIGNED RELEASE IS NEEDED*. Please notify your staff and medical records department of this.
*EXCEPTION: Psychotherapy where counseling session notes contain confidential exchanges between the therapist and patient. However, psychiatric records, which are social/medical/administrative in nature, do not require special authorization, e.g., medication checks.
If you have questions concerning a request letter you have received, please contact the CERT Documentation Office at (301) 957-2380.
