2026 ASC OIG Audit Preparedness Checklist

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Office of Inspector General (OIG) audits are becoming more targeted, more data-driven, and more frequent—especially for ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). As 2026 approaches, ASCs must move beyond reactive compliance and adopt a proactive audit preparedness strategy. Strong ASC billing services play a central role in ensuring facilities remain compliant, accurate, and financially protected. OIG audit preparedness is no longer about last-minute chart reviews. It requires structured documentation, accurate billing, internal controls, and continuous monitoring across clinical and financial workflows. ASC billing services that are built around compliance help facilities reduce risk and maintain audit readiness year-round. Why OIG Audit Preparedness Matters More in 2026 OIG audits increasingly focus on: Improper payments Medical necessity Modifier misuse Implant and device billing Facility fee accuracy Compliance with CMS ASC payment rules With expanded data analytics, ...
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Basics of Provider Credentialing and Contracting

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Credentialing is a process where insurance companies verify your education, professional experience, and training. For insurance companies, credentialing ensures that you meet their internal requirements for serving as an in-network provider. Insurance companies have web-based provider directories where they list all in-network providers for their plans.

Such up-to-date company directories are often utilized by healthcare services customers to locate physicians and other healthcare providers who take delivery of their coverage. once you whole the credentialing method, consumers can find you as an in-community provider in their panel in your forte.

The technique of ‘credentialing’ or ‘provider enrollment’ with a coverage community without a doubt includes stages i.e. Credentialing and Contracting. As stated earlier, for credentialing, any insurance company will confirm all of your credentials and will make certain which you meet the necessities for taking part in-network. even as the contracting phase is in which they issue you a taking part company settlement that defines the terms of participation for receiving in-network repayment.

Till the time your credentialing and contracting are in the system, you can bill the insurance company as an out-of-community company, but there may be no guarantee of your claim being processed. Out of community compensation depends upon the patient’s coverage and out of community benefits. Medicare and Medicaid will now not pay for any out-of-community offerings for any strong point.


Provider Credentialing

Provider credentialing (primary supply verification) is not anything however a history test at the medical doctor by way of the insurance enterprise. This historical past takes a look at includes verifying the issuer’s schooling, prison authorization, and abilities to practice medicinal drugs. The Credentialing process starts with submitting a participation request i.e. filling the software form. one of these participation requests varies from the particular credentialing utility, CAQH, or recognition of a state standardized credentialing application.

After receiving an issuer enrollment utility, they carry out a thorough credentials verification of the provider and make sure he/she meets credentialing requirements. you can assume the credentialing system to take up to 90 days. the first segment is getting your utility authorized through the credentialing committee, then the second one section i.e. contracting begins.


Contracting

Most of the time, coverage companies have a workforce dedicated to the contracting technique and are cut loose from the credentialing department. even as contracting, you may negotiate reimbursement quotes and may assessment the language of the settlement, and all responsibilities of participation. you could negotiate if the organization’s general compensation costs don’t meet your expectancies.

Once your credentialing agreement is signed and back returned to the network, you will be given a company variety and an effective date and you could begin billing the plan and may acquire ‘in-network’ reimbursement in your claims. usually, you could count on networks to take 30-45 days for this system.


Medicare, Medicaid, and Tricare

Credentialing in government health programs like Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare is a bit distinctive. those government health packages have widespread forms that have to be stuffed out and despatched to the suitable authority that handles all of the administrative features. Medicare and Medicaid will overview your application towards strict enrollment requirements.

You can discover helpful enrollment information on the CMS internet site concerning the Medicare issuer Enrollment method. it's miles constantly beneficial to have someone experienced in such authorities fitness application enrollment who critiques your application prior to submitting it.

Getting your self credentialed can be tedious, bulky, time-eating, and sometimes irritating. trying to navigate the credentialing process is overwhelming and often expenses more time and money than running with a professional who can propose on behalf of the provider.

Many times, companies are too busy recuperating patients and handling the administrative needs of their exercise. They don’t have enough time to finish credentialing packages and comply with-ups. scientific Billers and Coders (MBC) handles the entirety from contracting and credentialing to medical billing. contact us to analyze more.

Get in Touch

Medical Billers and Coders

Email: info@medicalbillersandcoders.com

Toll-Free no: 888-357-3226

Location: 108 W 13th St, Wilmington, DE 19801, USA

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