Payments For At Least 16% Of Medicare Virtual Check-Ins Potentially Improper; E-Visit Error Rate Was At Least 2.6%

At least 16% of Medicare payments for virtual check-in services and at least 2.6% of e-visits were potentially improper because the visits occurred too close to evaluation and management (E/M) visits or other related services, according to a federal audit covering 2019 through 2022. In total, Medicare made up to $2.3 million in potentially improper payments for virtual check-ins and e-visits.

According to Medicare policy, virtual check-ins should not occur within seven days after or 24 hours prior to an E/M visit. Medicare policy also states that e-visits can occur . . .