Two of the most critical things you can do when preparing for a RAC audit is building your team and answering important internal questions. Providers that have been through the process shared with the HFMA RAC Mini-Forum some solid RAC team building best practices and intelligent questions to ask.

• RAC Case Study - Piedmont Healthcare in Atlanta 
  
• RAC Case Study - Florida Hospital in Orlando 
  
• Talk about RAC team building on the message board 
  

See two examples of common overpayments identified by the Recovery Audit Contractors during their three-year demonstration program along with information on how to avoid mistakes leading to the errors.

• Talk about overpayment on the message board 
  

Although it has been a full year since the demonstration of the Medicare Recovery Audit Contractor (RAC) program completed, there are still many questions about the process going forward. How many records will be requested? How many claims will result? Who should manage those claims? How should organizations navigate the appeal process? We asked a provider that has been through the experience those very questions.

• Ask your questions about the RAC process on the message board 
  

In the face of increasing losses from RAC recoupments of Medicare reimbursement, also known as take-backs, Catholic Healthcare West has established steps to ensure that its affected facilities appeal RAC denials and take-backs promptly and appropriately.

• Talk about RAC appeals on the message board 
  

It’s time for providers in all states to become familiar with the RAC demonstration program--and how to prepare for an RAC review.

• Talk about RAC preparation on the message board 
  

Providers and industry experts offer key recommendations and insights on ways to prepare for RAC audits through process change and technology support.

• Talk about your experiences with RACs on the message board 
  

Hospital revenue cycle leaders would be wise to anticipate the many questions that will come their way from hospital CFOs and others in their organizations as a result of the RAC program.

• Discuss the most pressing RAC questions on the message board 
  

Florida’s Bethesda Memorial Hospital, a 401-bed community, not-for-profit hospital, is one of the organizations that witnessed the impact of RAC audits firsthand. According to Joanne Aquilina, vice president of finance and CFO, the audits soon evolved into an overwhelming volume of work.

• Talk about the RAC workload on the message board 
  

• Build a Comprehensive System to Ensure Compliance and Avoid Denials for Medical Necessity.
• Select and Properly Use your Physician Assistant (PA) to Ensure Compliance with Medical Necessity.
• Tactically Manage the RAC Process.