Anthony H. Choe, JD, MPH

The Advanced Medical Technology Association, or AdvaMed, released a revised Code of Ethics on Interactions with Health Care Professionals on Dec. 18.

The Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed) recently released a revised Code of Ethics on Interactions with Health Care Professionals which will become effective July 1. The revised code provides guidance on what conduct is appropriate and inappropriate between the medical technologies industry and health care professionals (HCPs).

Recently proposed legislation suggests that Congress is moving closer to limiting physician-owned specialty hospitals.

Last year, Medicare providers and Congress began expressing their concerns over the Recovery Audit Contractor demonstration program overseen by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Last year, Medicare providers and members of Congress began expressing their concerns over the Recovery Audit Contractor Demonstration Program overseen by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Anthony H. Choe

Physician practices should routinely monitor overpayments and promptly pay refunds to reduce their risk of violating the federal and applicable state false claims acts. Although the Justice Department has actively prosecuted hospitals in recent years for their failure to disclose and refund known overpayments, a recent settlement suggests that the government’s scrutiny is shifting toward physician practices.

In light of a recent appeals court decision, medical suppliers are likely to increase their scrutiny of medical necessity documentation.