Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Billing Compliance Program apply to me?
The Billing Compliance Program applies to all physicians, NPPs, and staff, as well as all corporations, organizations or other entities, including external billing companies, that generate, code, submit, or are in any way involved in generating a bill for medical services. The Billing Compliance Program also addresses policies on privacy issues, identity theft, and human subject research billing compliance, which apply to all members of the CUIMC community.
What is my responsibility?
Professional billing must be timely, accurate, supported by appropriate medical record documentation and otherwise be in accord with applicable Federal and State regulations and CUIMC policies. Patient privacy must be safeguarded, and regulations pertaining to billing for items and services furnished in connection with human subject research must be adhered to by CUIMC clinicians and staff. Efforts to prevent and detect identity theft should be undertaken.
Where can I find information on the Billing Compliance Plan?
The OFBC maintains a website with the Compliance Plan, monitoring plan, policies and procedures. Go to http://cumc.columbia.edu/dept/compliance
How can I contact the OFBC?
The OFBC’s main number is 212-305-3842. The website above has a directory of Billing Compliance Managers, their phone numbers and their email addresses.
What is the Hotline number?
The University-wide compliance hotline is 866-627-3768.
What should the Hotline be used for?
Reporting any issue or situation that raises a concern, including inconsistencies with sound billing policies and questions related to billing problems. Calls to the Hotline can be anonymous and are non-retaliatory. For issues involving privacy or HIPAA, please contact the Privacy Officer at 212-305-7315.
What do I do with audit letters and requests for refund?
Contact your Billing Compliance Manager in the OFBC for assistance. All audit letters and refund requests should be submitted to the OFBC for tracking and assistance in completion.
Where can I get a copy of my department’s compliance plan?
Contact your departmental compliance personnel or your departmental administrator for a copy of the department’s compliance plan.
When I have coding questions where can I call?
All coding questions can be brought to your departmental compliance personnel for review and assistance. In addition, the OFBC maintains an “open door policy” and you may contact any one of the Billing Compliance Managers for assistance.
Where do I go for compliance training?
Contact the OFBC or your departmental compliance personnel.