EVV, also known as electronic visit verification is a technology system that provides digital proof of caregiver presence and service(s). EVV communication is not a brand new idea, as many individual states and agencies have been actively using the technology for years. However, EVV has come into the spotlight over the past several years due to the legislative passage of the 21st Century Cures Act in 2016.
Passed by bi-partisan efforts in Congress and signed into law by former President Barack Obama, the legislation is designed to help fast-forward medical development and innovations in order to be delivered to patients at an accelerated rate. The bill also puts focus on the expansion of treatments for rare diseases, behavioral health, and opioid addiction.
In an effort to help fund the $6.3 billion bill, the government is seeking ways to help reduce medical fraud costs and unwarranted monetary waste. The EVV plays a critical role in helping reduce errors and save money. Improper Medicare payments cost taxpayers about $52 billion in 2017, and by helping to prevent false claims, EVV could save the federal government $290 million over a 10 year period.
The 21st Century Cures Act requires states to implement the use of EVV but allows individuals states to create their own EVV systems, processes, and compliance rules. However, each EVV system must satisfy the federal mandate which includes the verification of:
- Type of service provided
- Patient receiving care
- Date of service
- Location of service
- Individual providing the care
- Time service begins and ends
If a state’s EVV system doesn’t meet the federal mandate or the implementation deadline, they could lose up to 1 percent of their Federal Medical Assistance Percentage.
- Personal Care Services (Implementation Deadline) - January 1, 2020
- Home Health Services (Implementation Deadline) - January 1, 2023
EVV implementation is mandatory by federal mandate if an agency provides personal care or healthcare service in a private home, and if Medicaid or Medicare [RS1] is footing the bill. EVV does not apply to hospital inpatients or nursing home residents.
How Does it Work?
EVV offers the ability to capture data in three ways:
- GPS/Mobile Device
- Caregivers use mobile/web applications via a smart device to report data
- Telephony
- Interactive Voice Response (IVR) allows caregivers to call a toll-free 1-800 number from the client's landline to report necessary data
- Fixed Verification Device
- The agency or state installs a device in the client's home that either leverages biometrics or generates a code for caregivers to use on their paperwork (least common option).
Not only does EVV technology ensure patient care, but it provides healthcare services with a variety of time-saving and cost-reducing measures -- making the adoption of this technology a benefit to all parties involved.
EVV agency benefits include:
- Less Paperwork
- Faster Reimbursement
- Reduced Audit Probability
- Fewer Missed/Late Visits
- Improved Patient Care & Satisfaction
- Easier Management & Monitoring of the Delivery of Care and Services
- Reduced Human Error and Fraud
- Improved Overall Efficiency
Request a Free Demo of QliqSOFT
As the world leader in HIPAA compliant text messaging and EVV technology, we can help ensure your organization meets all mandate requirements. Contact us today at (866) 295-0451 about a free demo, or how to start implementing our technology at your health company!
