The HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) has been making some great improvements to their content and delivery including a new website layout, informative videos, their Semiannual Report to Congress, a new Fraud Risk Indicator, and more. Take a look at some of the latest updates and news that has been delivered this month and the outlines for continual improvement from the HHS OIG.
Office of Inspector General (OIG) Release New Website and Videos
HHS OIG has released an update to its website with a new layout and viewer experience. The new site brings new search options to quickly navigate and explore the latest information and databases. More changes are set to occur in the coming months, but most of the pages have been updated while others will have some construction time. The site will maintain a reference point for reports, compliance information, database updates, and more.
The new website takes aim at accomplishing a few direct goals for delivering better visitor engagement. Some of the following changes were directed towards having a mobile-optimized design and accessibility, a condensed navigation system, and keyword-driven page content so users can find what they are looking for from HSS OIG. Visit the new HHS OIG website at oig.hhs.gov and let us know what you think of some of the changes!
HHS OIG has also released some great videos recently and continues to produce new modern communication tools to help explain the public benefit and mission of the department, along with helpful resources for healthcare professionals. Take a look at some of the latest releases, or visit the OIG at HHS Youtube page to subscribe and utilize these videos in your compliance program or educational initiatives.
HHS OIG Agency Video
HHS OIG: A Good Investment
HHS OIG Semiannual Report to Congress | April 1 – September 30, 2018
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) has released its latest version of the 2018 Semiannual Report to Congress to summarize OIG activities from the last half of FY 2018 (April 1, 2018-September 30, 2018). In the release, the OIG summarizes their work and mission to protect federal healthcare dollars. The previous report for the spring release to Congress can be found here – Lessons Learned from the 2018 OIG Semiannual Report to Congress.
Message from HHS OIG Inspector General – Daniel Levinson
The OIG’s Inspector General, Daniel Levinson, introduced the report with a quick message to describe the effectiveness of the department and their top initiatives for 2018, as well as what to expect for the near future.
“OIG continues to serve the American people by providing objective, actionable information and recommendations to improve fiscal stewardship of HHS programs, ensure program beneficiaries receive high-quality services, and hold those who harm taxpayers accountable,” said Inspector General Daniel R. Levinson.
“The dedication, professionalism, and expertise of OIG employees drives this high-impact work.” – Daniel Levinson, Inspector General OIG
2018 FY HHS OIG Results
- $2.91 billion reported expected investigative recoveries of
- Criminal actions against 764 individuals or entities that engaged in crimes against HHS programs
- Exclusion of 2,712 individuals and entities
- Civil actions against 813 individuals or entities
HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) 2018 Priority Areas
- Opioid epidemic
- Medicaid fraud
- Safety of children
- Home and community-based services
- Cybersecurity
- Shift to value-based care
OIG Strategic Publications
To better support the work of the OIG and its approach to protect the integrity of U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) programs, the office releases valuable resources ( in accordance with OIG’s Strategic Plan for 2014-2018) throughout the year for enhanced learning, general awareness, and demonstrated value. Take a look at how they are provided a means for annual transparency and visibility into their process and priority focus each year.
The OIG’s Strategic Plan for 2014-2018 outlines the OIG’s approach to protecting the integrity of HHS programs with four key goals:
- Fight fraud, waste, and abuse.
- Promote quality, safety, and value.
- Secure HHS programs’ future.
- Advance excellence and innovation.
HHS OIG Release High Risk – Heightened Scrutiny List
The OIG released a Fraud Risk Indicator last month to assess the future risk posed by persons who have allegedly engaged in civil healthcare fraud as it relates the False Claims Act (FCA).
According to the OIG, these parties “pose a significant risk to Federal healthcare programs and beneficiaries. This is because, although OIG determined that these parties needed additional oversight, they refused to enter into an OIG offered Corporate Integrity Agreement (CIA) sufficient to protect Federal healthcare programs.”
The purpose of the High-Risk Heightened Scrutiny List is to ensure that any provider or entity that is interested in doing business with a healthcare vendor, is aware of the risk they are entering into, based on prior actions and significant risk factors.
HHS OIG is Improving Resources and Delivery
As outlined above, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) is taking great strides to improve the output of helpful resources and the delivery of each asset in a digital format. In accordance with OIG leadership to help educate and inform, new tools are being developed to aid healthcare professionals in their daily objectives and interactions.
We look forward to more visibility and efficiencies from the OIG and are always encouraged to see how their hard work helps to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse of federal healthcare dollars.
Do you have any questions about the new releases from HHS OIG? Let us know in the comments below!
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Written by Michael Rosen, ESQ
Michael brings over 20 years of experience founding and leading risk mitigation businesses, receiving numerous accolades such as Inc. Magazine’s Inc. 500 Award and Nashville Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year.
