Author Topic: Tricare East Offset/Recoup  (Read 4278 times)

mandaree23

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 13
Tricare East Offset/Recoup
« on: October 24, 2019, 05:26:40 PM »
Can someone please help me and tell me if you've seen this or have a suggestion on how to handle this?!

The first week of September I received a letter from Tricare stating that they are recouping several claims.  The explanation states "An overpayment has been made on the below referenced claims.  The original payment was based upon an error in the system logic: therefore, a recoupment is being initiated for the overpayment amount."  I called Tricare and was told that there was a recent DME POS update that resulted in overpayments.  He could explain what that meant and could offer nothing beyond that.  I told him that I saw a notice on the Tricare website from 6/26/19 stating that there was an issue with DME capped rental items being reimbursed incorrectly.  I asked if that could be the issue and he did not know and said to send in a letter and ask for an explanation and mention that we do not offer DME rentals.  I sent the letter to the address he indicated and haven't received a response and that letter was mailed on 9/4/19.  Today I received an EOB showing that they are beginning to offset my payments.  There is a remark code that states " Payment for drugs infused through Durable Medical Equipment (DME) are priced at ASP plus 6%, in accordance with Section 5004 of the 21st Centry Cures Act and TRICARE's requirement at 10 USC Section 1079, to rimburse like Medicare."  So I research and see that this rule they are referring to applies to drugs infused through DME.  I assume this means infusions, chemo, insulin, etc.  We only offer orthotics and prosthetics.  I called Tricare again today, and we all know how that goes.  She cannot tell me anything other than the same information on their original letter.  I explained everything to her that I've stated here and she told me I just need to wait for all the offsets to be completed and then I can request reconsideration.  *Also, I did make the spelling errors, that's actually how it is on my EOB. 

Michele

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 5927
    • Solutions Medical Billing
Re: Tricare East Offset/Recoup
« Reply #1 on: October 25, 2019, 12:43:07 PM »
 ???

Wow.

What are the services that you billed for that are being recouped?

I haven't heard of anyone else having this issue yet.  Just curious, is it TRICARE East?  West?  or South?
Sign Up for our FREE Medical Billing Newsletter
Get a 10% discount on Medical Billing Products by using Coupon Code: 10OFF
http://www.solutions-medical-billing.com

mandaree23

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 13
Re: Tricare East Offset/Recoup
« Reply #2 on: October 25, 2019, 04:06:02 PM »
Yes, it's very frustrating because I cannot find information on this anywhere and no one at Tricare knows.  Our Provider Rep has not responded to me, and never does so I don't expect a response.

They are recouping our AFO's, SMO,'s etc...all primary codes on claims in question are L1960, L1970 or L1907.  I have looked back at some of the claims online and they have changed the allowables on the claims but have not provided me with updated EOB's.  I pulled one claim and looked at the difference between previous allowable when claim was paid and what they show now.  Every line item has been adjusted by 19.05%

We are in Texas and claims are handled by Tricare East.

Michele

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 5927
    • Solutions Medical Billing
Re: Tricare East Offset/Recoup
« Reply #3 on: October 28, 2019, 09:06:37 AM »
I found the following article:  https://media.defense.gov/2019/Aug/22/2002173972/-1/-1/1/DODIG-2019-112.PDF

It sounds like they were paying higher allowable amounts than they were supposed to be.  I'm not sure if the specific DME you provided are included.  Can you try to contact your provider rep's supervisor?  We had an issue with a Beacon provider rep never returning phone calls.  We contacted provider service and complained.  She called back rather quickly after that.  With TRICARE being a government agency those things don't always work, but it's worth a try.
Sign Up for our FREE Medical Billing Newsletter
Get a 10% discount on Medical Billing Products by using Coupon Code: 10OFF
http://www.solutions-medical-billing.com

mandaree23

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 13
Re: Tricare East Offset/Recoup
« Reply #4 on: October 28, 2019, 12:36:30 PM »
I had come across that article but it does not indicate all HCPCS and/or CPT this applies to.  I did receive a response on one patient that I sent a letter in on and all it says is "This recoup is due to the DME place of service rates.  You can view the rates at health.mil if you have any concerns." 

You're right, its the government and I can't through to anyone else.  I am not done trying though.  If I receive any helpful information I will certainly share with you. Thank you SO much for all your help and research. 

Medical Billing Forum

Re: Tricare East Offset/Recoup
« Reply #4 on: October 28, 2019, 12:36:30 PM »

Michele

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 5927
    • Solutions Medical Billing
Re: Tricare East Offset/Recoup
« Reply #5 on: October 28, 2019, 05:52:51 PM »
Good luck!
Sign Up for our FREE Medical Billing Newsletter
Get a 10% discount on Medical Billing Products by using Coupon Code: 10OFF
http://www.solutions-medical-billing.com

mandaree23

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 13
Re: Tricare East Offset/Recoup
« Reply #6 on: October 30, 2019, 02:01:32 PM »
I just called Tricare to check on one of the patients that they recouped because they took back the entire payment for this particular patient.  The other patients only had a portion of their payments recouped.  The Rep I spoke to told me there is a bulk review in process for claims processed incorrectly.  She claims are being denied and recouped in error and they are reviewing large batches each day.  She said my claims were incorrectly recouped and to call back in 10-15 days if we have received an update.  Just wanted to share and from what she said, I am assuming this only applies to DME.

Michele

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 5927
    • Solutions Medical Billing
Re: Tricare East Offset/Recoup
« Reply #7 on: November 04, 2019, 10:39:48 AM »
Thanks for keeping us posted!
Sign Up for our FREE Medical Billing Newsletter
Get a 10% discount on Medical Billing Products by using Coupon Code: 10OFF
http://www.solutions-medical-billing.com

Medical Billing Forum

Re: Tricare East Offset/Recoup
« Reply #7 on: November 04, 2019, 10:39:48 AM »