Hospice Insights

In this episode, Husch Blackwell’s Meg Pekarske and Bryan Nowicki discuss the new wave of CMS Center for Program Integrity (CPI) audits that have been issued during the past couple weeks. These CPI audits remain focused on long length of stay patients and typically involve hundreds of claims valued at over $1 million. As Meg and Bryan explain, these audits may signal a new approach to auditing by CMS, and it is important for hospices to refine their response and appeal strategy accordingly. Tune in here: https://bit.ly/3viR6Re

Tags: CPIAudits, hospice
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Photo of Meg S.L. Pekarske Meg S.L. Pekarske

Meg has devoted her legal practice to serving the everchanging legal needs of the hospice industry. As chair of Husch Blackwell’s Hospice and Palliative Care Practice Group, she manages the firm’s hospice practice. In working day in and day out with hospice clients …

Meg has devoted her legal practice to serving the everchanging legal needs of the hospice industry. As chair of Husch Blackwell’s Hospice and Palliative Care Practice Group, she manages the firm’s hospice practice. In working day in and day out with hospice clients across the country, Meg is intimately familiar with the operational challenges of hospices and has the experience to address the full spectrum of legal issues facing the industry, from routine regulatory compliance issues to multimillion dollar Zone Program Integrity Contractor (ZPIC), Medicaid and other government audits. Additionally, Meg routinely advises hospices on palliative care program development, innovative inpatient unit structures, fraud investigations and a wide range of contracting issues. With an extensive background in long-term care, Meg brings a unique perspective and skill set to helping hospices create successful partnerships with nursing homes and assisted living facilities and providing quality end-of-life care to patients.

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Photo of Bryan K. Nowicki Bryan K. Nowicki

I lead the litigation and internal investigation efforts within Husch Blackwell’s Hospice and Palliative Care Practice Group. I work with hospices and healthcare providers across the country on a range of litigation, regulatory, compliance, and business matters. I represent clients in False Claims…

I lead the litigation and internal investigation efforts within Husch Blackwell’s Hospice and Palliative Care Practice Group. I work with hospices and healthcare providers across the country on a range of litigation, regulatory, compliance, and business matters. I represent clients in False Claims Act lawsuits, state and federal government fraud investigations, and audits by Zone Program Integrity Contractors (ZPICs), Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs), and Medicaid Integrity Contractors (MICs). I also conduct and manage internal investigations of hospices and health care providers regarding a range of compliance matters.

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