Improper Medicare Payments

Reviews the Health Care Fin Admin's. (HCFA) efforts to enhance the measurement of improper payments in the Medicare fee-for-service program. Identifies structural problems that exist in the Medicare claims processing system which contribute to vulnerabilities resulting in erroneous Medicare payments. Focuses on: what HCFA proposals have been designed or initiated to measure Medicare improper payments; & the status of these proposals & initiatives & how they will enhance HCFA's ability to comprehensively measure improper Medicare payments & the frequency of kickbacks, false claims, & other inappropriate provider practices. Tables.