WASHINGTON, D.C. – Citing “systemic problems” with the allegedly bureaucratic and duplicitous nature of some federal regulations and policies, the National Association of Medicaid Directors in a report released last week blamed those problems for hampering innovation and general care improvement among the nation’s healthcare providers.

Further citing challenges including “runaway healthcare cost inflation, often poor healthcare outcomes and growing rolls in public healthcare programs, particularly Medicaid,” the organization in the report said those factors “contribute to fiscal pressures and frustration with our nation’s healthcare system.”

EDITOR'S NOTE: This is the first of a two-part series on the Medicaid RACs

A review of the final rule implementing the Medicaid recovery audit contractor (RAC) program shows that there are several proactive steps that hospitals may take to keep on top of this implementation, yet another, claims review of Medicaid claims to identify improper payments. Since the program officially takes effect on January 1, 2012, the timing is perfect to investigate options.