Judith Waltz Comments on UPICs More Powerful Policing Role

Foley & Lardner LLP Health Care and Business Partner Judith Waltz was quoted in a Report on Medicare Compliance article, “CMS Gives UPICs More Powerful Policing Role; ‘This Raises the Risk Level’ for Providers,” about the changes made by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to strengthen the role of unified program integrity contractors (UPICs).

Effective October 12, 2021, UPICs are required to have “formal and informal communication” with state survey agencies, the HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG), Department of Justice (DOJ), Medicaid agencies, other Medicare contractors, state surveyors “and other organizations as applicable to determine information that is available and that should be exchanged to enhance program integrity activities.”

Waltz said “Providers should recognize when they hear from a UPIC how serious it is” and added “The UPICs are like the new sheriff in town.”