What is EVV and how will it affect my organization?
EVV is an abbreviation coined for the term “electronic visit verification” and refers to the process of using electronic options, like computers, mobile apps, or fobs to document home visits. Home health and human services agencies have been abuzz about EVV and the changes that are required due to the new regulations being imposed. Although states have certain verification policies required for businesses, EVV is a national mandate. To continue to provide services, businesses must abide by the EVV regulations.
History of EVV
In December 2006, President Barack Obama signed the 21st Century Cures Act into law. The 21st Century Cures Act states that any home health or provider agency that receives reimbursement from the government must have an electronic visit verification system in place. States must require EVV for Medicaid-funded home services for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities no later than January 1, 2020.The development of the EVV system stemmed from the federal government looking for ways to reduce incidences of fraud and abuse. Medicaid and Medicare fraud cases have been on the rise—potentially costing the government millions and millions of dollars. As just one example, in June of 2016, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force charged 301 individuals from across the nation with filing approximately $900 million in false billings. With EVV, filing false paper-based attendant timesheets would not be possible.
What is EVV going to mean for provider agencies and people receiving supports?
EVV must capture certain information electronically and share the data in order for providers to receive reimbursement for home visits. EVV is intended to confirm that the agreed-upon care service was performed and verify the times and location that the service took place. There is not one single method for EVV. To stay in compliance with EVV, vendors have tested out different types of technology. Different approaches for EVV have included telephone verification, mobile applications, voice signatures, and kiosks.EVV is not only important to organizations, but also to those being supported. The latter will be protected since all services that are being billed through Medicaid and Medicare on their behalf are verified. Trust between participants can be restored due to the accountability required by EVV. EVV will reduce the number of missed home visits and thwart late start times. With the confirmation of home care being delivered as promised, improved client outcomes are expected.
What are the challenges of EVV?
The wording of the 21st Century Cures Act left it open for states to choose between open and closed models. With a closed model, the state requires a single EVV tool being used by all providers. With the open model, the choices of EVV systems are left up to providers. However, the EVV selected must abide by the mandated regulations.A number of states have started requiring providers to use a single EVV vendor. The problem with using a single vendor is that there could be issues with the system. For instance, Louisiana has had to cancel two vendor contracts since 2013 due to system flaws. A class-action suit was filed in Connecticut due to reporting issues that caused providers to not receive payments for verified services. Providers in states like Ohio have become vocal on entering testimony on concerns that they have toward certain EVV systems.An EVV solution is now a must for provider agencies. The good news is you don’t need to figure out EVV on your own. Direct Care Innovationsoffers EVV as part of their business management product solutions. Request a demo today to learn more.
