General Question for the Week of June 3, 2019

Question:

What is the OIG?

Answer:

With its 1976 establishment, the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) leads the effort to fight waste, fraud and abuse in Medicare, Medicaid and more than 100 other HHS programs. A nationwide network of audits, investigations, and evaluations results in timely information as well as cost-saving or policy recommendations for decision-makers and the public. This network also assists in the development of cases for criminal, civil and administrative enforcement. The OIG develops and distributes resources to assist the healthcare industry in its efforts to comply with fraud-and-abuse laws. In addition, it educates the public about fraudulent schemes, so providers can protect themselves and report suspicious activities.