Which program was initiated to identify improper payments in the Medicare system?

The Recovery Audit Program was initiated specifically to identify improper payments in the Medicare system. This program aimed to reduce waste and fraud within Medicare by reviewing claims and payments to ensure that all billing was accurate and compliant with established regulations. Recovery Auditors are tasked with identifying overpayments and underpayments, allowing the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to recover incorrect payments and ensure proper billing practices.

The significance of this program lies in its proactive approach to safeguarding Medicare funds and enhancing program integrity. By reviewing past claims, the Recovery Audit Program also helps to educate providers about common billing errors, thereby preventing future improper payments. This targeted focus differentiates it from other programs, which may have broader quality improvement or compliance monitoring goals rather than the specific identification and rectification of improper payments.