In today’s age of AI, social media, and the Internet – where anyone and
everyone can proclaim to be an “expert” – we are surrounded by
misinformation. Unfortunately, Medicare Administrative Contractors (MAC’s) are
some of the leading disseminators of this misinformation. Although trying to be helpful
(by hosting training sessions, consortiums, coalition meetings, and other educational seminars)
these MACs sometimes provide a disservice to the EMS community by providing false,
inaccurate, or misleading information. This session highlights some recent
statements made by the MAC representatives causing confusion and
non-compliance, which can trigger overpayment liability – or worse, allegations of fraud.
This is a tale about being careful who you receive information from, who you
should trust, and the need to fact-check your information before you commit a
major error.