The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) requires a new fraud, waste, and abuse training requirement. This regulation can be found in the Federal Register, Vol. 72, No. 233 (December 5, 2007) and requires that Medicare Advantage Plan Sponsors provide all contracted providers (i.e., hospitals, physician practices, facilities, DME providers, etc.) participating in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) network with Fraud Waste and Abuse (FWA) training. This training must be completed by December 31, 2009 and annually thereafter. Participation in this training is mandatory for providers and their employees who provide services reimbursable under a Medicare Advantage plan.
There are various training options available--online. The key is that you must of "attestation" (proof) that you completed the program.
Coventry offers the following:
http://coventry-medicare.coventryhealthcare.com/providers/index.htm
· Select the “Electronic Solutions” option on the toolbar at the left hand side of the page.
· Select the "User Support & Training" option on the toolbar at the left hand side of the page.
· Locate and review the training presentation.
· Click on the link to attest that you and your staff have completed the training.
ANOTHER source is www.hcasma.org (Massachusetts) has an excellent free course.
