Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) enables real-time confirmation of when a caregiver’s visit begins and ends for members receiving in-home services. This technology is a requirement for Medicaid funded homecare and home health providers.
The intent of EVV solutions is to electronically validate that services are provided as scheduled, and billed for appropriately, reducing the opportunity for fraudulent activities. While this is its intended purpose, there are many other wonderful benefits to EVV outside of detecting fraud. Here we’ll review everything providers need to know about EVV requirements, the many benefits of EVV, and how they can go about implementing EVV tools at their agency.
Jump to the section you need:
A Brief History of EVV
Understanding How EVV Works
Implementation Tips for Agencies
Benefits-of-EVVBenefits of EVV
Overview of HHAeXchange’s EVV Solutions
Future of EVV Technology
The concept of EVV emerged as a response to growing concerns about the integrity and efficiency of homecare services. Before EVV, verifying that a caregiver visited a client’s home was challenging, and providers often had to rely on manual logs that could be easily falsified. In 2016, the 21st Century Cures Act was passed in the United States, mandating the use of EVV for all Medicaid-funded personal care services and home health care services. This legislation aimed to improve transparency, reduce fraud, and ensure that clients receive the care they deserve.
EVV doesn’t just benefit homecare agencies and their clients; it also has broader implications for the homecare industry. By ensuring that homecare services are delivered as promised, EVV helps to build trust within the homecare ecosystem. It also provides valuable data that can be used to improve service delivery and patient outcomes. In a way, EVV is part of a larger movement towards data-driven healthcare, where decisions are informed by accurate, real-time information.
EVV systems function by recording key details of each visit. When a caregiver arrives at a client’s home, they clock in using an EVV method (like a mobile app, IVR, or FOB device). The system captures the exact time and location, confirming the caregiver’s presence. When the visit is completed, the caregiver clocks out, and the EVV system records the end time and location. This information is then sent to a central database where it can be reviewed and used to submit compliant billing claims to Medicaid payers, and is then able to inform payroll output.
EVV systems must capture the following data:
The 21st Century Cures Act requires Medicaid-funded homecare services to use EVV to verify visits. The deadline for states to implement an EVV solution was January 1, 2020 for all Medicaid-funded PCS and January 1, 2023 for home health care services. At this point, almost all states are in compliance and have offered a state-funded solution. Now, it is essential for all agencies to adopt EVV to avoid penalties from the state, and ensure they get paid for their services.
Each state has its own set of requirements and deadlines. Some states may have stricter guidelines and have already started cracking down on homecare provider compliance. For example:
Agencies must stay updated on their specific state’s requirements to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.
States have flexibility in how they choose to implement the federal EVV mandate. For instance, there are multiple types of EVV models that can be adopted at the state level. A Closed Model requires the providers to use an EVV vendor selected by the state. An Open Model allows providers to choose from multiple EVV vendors to carry out the mandated EVV functionality. And there are other hybrid models that combine characteristics of the Open and Closed models.
Non-compliance with EVV requirements can result in serious penalties, including:
Medicaid Fraud Control Units (MFCUs) are mandated by the Social Security Act to investigate and prosecute Medicaid provider fraud and client abuse or neglect, and they are certainly cracking down on fraud. In 2023, the MFCU recovered $26.4 million from Personal Care Services (PCS) agencies.
While EVV compliance may seem daunting, there are significant benefits:
Ensuring compliance with the 21st Century Cures Act is not just about avoiding penalties; it’s about improving the overall quality and reliability of homecare services.
EVV systems use various methods to verify visits, ensuring flexibility and reliability for different homecare settings. Each method has its unique features and benefits, allowing agencies to choose the best option for their needs.
Mobile apps with GPS tracking are a popular EVV method. Caregivers use these apps to check in and out of visits, capturing their location to confirm they are at the client’s home. This method is convenient and provides real-time data, making it like having a digital diary that keeps track of every visit.
IVR systems allow caregivers to use the client’s phone to call a toll-free number and check in and out of visits. This method is useful in areas with limited internet access, ensuring that visit data is still captured accurately. It’s like leaving a voicemail for a friend to let them know you’ve arrived safely.
FOB devices are small gadgets placed in the client’s home. Caregivers use these devices to check in and out by pressing a button, which records the visit time. FOBs are simple and reliable, making them a good option for homes without smartphones or internet. Think of them as the trusty old school attendance punch cards, but more advanced.
Selecting the right EVV method depends on several factors, including the availability of technology, caregiver preferences, and specific agency needs. Some agencies may benefit from a combination of methods to ensure coverage across different environments and situations.
By understanding the different methods of EVV, agencies can choose the most effective solution to meet their needs and ensure compliance with regulations.
With the right approach, implementing EVV can be straightforward. Start by training your caregivers on how to use the system and make sure they understand its importance. Choose an EVV solution that integrates with your current software to streamline processes. Regularly review the data collected to ensure accuracy and address any issues promptly.
Offer continuous support and resources for caregivers and staff, including a dedicated help desk or support team.
By following these steps and best practices, agencies can successfully implement EVV, ensuring compliance and improving the quality of care provided to patients.
Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) offers numerous benefits that extend beyond compliance. By ensuring that caregivers are providing services as planned, EVV helps improve care quality, streamline agency operations, and prevent fraud. Let’s dive into these benefits and understand how EVV can transform homecare services.
EVV helps prevent fraud by ensuring that care visits happen as scheduled. It captures accurate data, making it difficult for caregivers to falsify visits. This transparency builds trust and ensures that patients receive the care they need. It’s like having a security system that keeps everything honest and transparent.
With EVV, agencies can streamline their operations. The system automates visit verification, reducing the need for manual data entry and minimizing errors. This efficiency saves time and resources, allowing agencies to focus more on patient care. It’s like having an extra pair of hands to help with the workload.
By ensuring that caregivers are providing services as planned, EVV helps improve care quality. Patients receive timely and consistent care, leading to better health outcomes. The data collected also helps agencies monitor performance and make informed decisions. It’s like having a quality control system that ensures everyone gets the best care possible.
EVV mobile apps can facilitate better communication and coordination between caregivers and administrative staff. This improved communication enhances the overall care experience and helps address issues promptly.
Compliance with EVV requirements ensures that agencies meet federal and state regulations, avoiding penalties and ensuring continued funding. By adopting EVV, agencies demonstrate their commitment to transparency, accountability, and high-quality care.
By leveraging the benefits of EVV, homecare agencies can enhance their operations, improve care quality, and build trust with patients and their families. EVV is more than just a compliance tool – it’s a powerful system for transforming homecare services.
HHAeXchange offers an integrated EVV solution that works seamlessly with existing agency systems. It provides various verification methods, ensuring flexibility and reliability. The platform also supports scheduling, billing, and payroll, making it a comprehensive tool for managing homecare services. It’s like having a Swiss Army knife for all your homecare needs.
The future of EVV technology is exciting, with ongoing advancements aimed at further improving efficiency and care quality. Now, thanks to EVV mobile apps, providers have access to caregivers when they’re in the client’s home, and caregivers have a way of sharing their observations with their agency in real-time.
Caregivers can convey behavior changes, social determinant of health indicators like a lack of food in the house, or even fall risks. And when they share this information, you can act swiftly, potentially avoiding a costly hospitalization and truly helping your client live a happier, healthier, and safer life. EVV has transcended its initial perception as a government mandate, emerging as a real asset for both homecare providers and clients.
The HHAeXchange team is committed to staying at the forefront of these technological advancements, continually improving our homecare management solution to meet the evolving needs of homecare agencies. To learn more, request a demo today.
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