Outlines requirements for provider education and technical assistance under Medicare.
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a demonstration program making certain technical assistance available, upon request on a voluntary basis, to small providers of services or suppliers to evaluate their billing and related systems for compliance with the applicable Medicare requirements.
Amends SSA title XVIII part D with respect to the Practicing Physicians Advisory Council to direct the Secretary to appoint a Medicare Provider Ombudsman to: (1) assist confidentially service providers, physicians, practitioners, and suppliers with respect to grievances and requests for information; and (2) submit recommendations to the Secretary for improvement in Medicare administration.
Outlines requirements with respect to provider appeals. Directs the Secretary to establish a process for expedited access to judicial review.
Amends SSA title XVIII part D with respect to: (1) the Medicare Integrity Program to provide for the recovery of overpayments and prepayment review; and (2) agreements with service providers to direct the Secretary to establish a process (including an appeals process) for enrollment of Medicare service providers, services, physicians, practitioners, and suppliers.
Requires the Secretary to establish a demonstration program under which Medicare specialists employed by HHS provide advice and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries at the location of existing local offices of the Social Security Administration.
Prohibits the Secretary from implementing any documentation guidelines for evaluation and management physician services under Medicare unless the Secretary has, among other things, established a plan that contains specific goals and a schedule for improving the use of such guidelines.