Welcome to the summer issue of “Compass,” the Billing Compliance newsletter. This newsletter periodically informs clinical faculty, house staff, and other University personnel about current issues related to professional fee billing. The Billing Compliance Office is pleased to announce the development of an education and training program. The first offering is a HCFA sponsored program that is being offered September 22, 1999. The details appear elsewhere in this issue. Please feel free to share your thoughts or concerns with me or with any member of the compliance staff. We can be reached at 305-3842. Sincerely, Robert M. Lewy, M.D. Senior Associate Dean for Academic Appointments and Regulatory Compliance

Contents A Billing Compliance Program Physician Compliance Education Program Correct Use of Provider Identification Numbers Medical Necessity Documentation Requirements for Non-Physician Providers Physician Assistant and Nurse Practitioner Reimbursement Routine Wavier of Deductibles and Coinsurance Updated Encounter Forms Lead to Clean Claims Senior Citizens Fraud and Abuse Patrol Program Letters of Audit The Billing Compliance HOTLINE