OIG Audit Uncovers $580M in Improper Medicare Payments for Psych Services

KEY TAKEAWAYS

OIG examined the CMS’ mental health services records for both in-person and telehealth visits from March 2020 through February 2021 at the start of the PHE.

The audit covered approximately $1 billion in Part B payments for more than 13.5 million psychotherapy services during the period.

Based on audit samples, OIG estimates that of the $1 billion that Medicare paid for psychotherapy services, providers received $580 million in improper payments.

Of the $580 million in improperly documented payments, $348 million were for telehealth services and $232 million were for non-telehealth services.