September/October - West Virginia State Medical Association

Physician Practice Advocate | NEWS“Evening With the RAC” Conferenceis a Huge Success!The WVSMA’s recent “EveningWith the RAC” conference was atremendously successful program.The large crowd at the conferencewas indicative of the interestin obtaining the most accurateand up to date informationabout the RAC. (Recovery AuditContractors). Those in attendanceagreed that the evening was botheducational and informative.Several physicians commented thatthe presentation seemed to allayfears and concerns about the effectof the RAC on their practices.The evening began with a dinnerreception, followed by a presentationby CMS officials, who explainedthe RAC program mission and thelegislation supporting the RAC.Following the CMS presentation,Medical Director Dr. James Leeand Healthcare Principal, ChristineCastelli from Connolly Consulting(the RAC for Region C whichincludes West Virginia), spoketo the group. They presenteddetailed information regardingConnolly Consulting, includinginformation about the company’smission and review processes.Attendees, both physicians andstaff, then were able to addressboth CMS and Connolly with theirquestions and concerns regardingthe RAC. The presenters stayed untilevery question was answered.Connolly Consulting and theWVSMA are partnering to ensurethat our physicians receive any newinformation about the RAC in anexpeditious manner. Connolly hascommitted to notifying the WVSMAprior to any new initiatives with theRAC program. We will keep youinformed and updated on changesor additions to the RAC program.Any new program, such as theRAC, often causes numerous concernsand questions. It also provides anopportunity for semi-knowledgeablepersons to capitalize on these concernsand offer information which may ormay not be accurate. Please be awareof this when companies contact youroffice with offers to “safeguard” yourpractice. Sometimes you may notreceive all that you are paying for. Ifyou have questions about the validityof information you’re receiving, pleasefeel free to contact the WVSMA.For more information aboutthe RAC, please visit the CMSand Connolly websites, www.cms.hhs.gov/RAC and www.connollyhealthcare.com/RAC.Barbara GoodWVSMA Physician Practice AdvocateFor more information about the RAC, please visit the CMS and Connolly websites,www.cms.hhs.gov/RAC and www.connollyhealthcare.com/RAC.September/October 2009 | Vol. 105 43