Federal Reports

In FY 2017, CIGIE continued to meet its mandated missions, and through this report, we present CIGIE’s accomplishments in FY 2017 reflecting our efforts in meeting our mandate. Together, the work of the OIG community resulted in significant improvements to the economy and efficiency of programs Governmentwide, with potential savings totaling approximately $54.6 billion. With the OIG community’s aggregate FY 2017 budget of approximately $2.5 billion, these potential savings represent about a $22 return on every dollar invested in the OIGs. In Background, we summarize the Council’s history and the Inspector General Empowerment Act of 2016, the most recent enhancement to the Inspector General Act of 1978. We also discuss some of the accomplishments of CIGIE’s standing committees in FY 2017. Then, in Strategic Plan Business Goal Accomplishments, we describe CIGIE’s accomplishments under FY 2017’s three major strategic business goals. Next, we summarize current issues of concern to CIGIE members in Key Legislation Affecting the IG Community and Shared Management and Performance Challenges. We then offer perspective on IG Community Accomplishments and provide Contact Information for CIGIE Members. Finally, we recognize the recipients of the most noteworthy 2017 CIGIE Awards.

The audit objectives were to determine whether program funds were managed in accordance with the ARC and Federal grant requirements

The audit objectives were to determine whether program funds were managed in accordance with the ARC and Federal grant requirements

From January 1, 2015, through March 31, 2017 (audit period), Pacific Medical, Inc., which is located in Tracy, California, did not always comply with Medicare requirements when billing for selected orthotic braces (i.e., back, knee, and ankle-foot braces). For 89 of the 100 sampled claims, Pacific Medical complied with the requirements. However, for the remaining 11 claims, it did not comply with the requirements. Specifically, Pacific Medical billed for orthotic braces that were not medically necessary for nine claims and could not provide medical records for two claims.

Nearly all Medicare Part B payments to a chiropractor in Queens, New York, did not comply with Medicare requirements. Specifically, 95 of 100 sample claims for which the chiropractor received Medicare Part B reimbursement did not comply with Medicare requirements. These improper payments occurred because the chiropractor did not have any policies and procedures to ensure that chiropractic services provided to Medicare beneficiaries were medically necessary and sufficiently documented.