Still questions about PCP
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Taken from Australian Doctor
A podiatry company that has been the subject of GP concerns about possible misuse of MBS allied health funding is facing questions over its claim to have been exonerated by Medicare Australia. Australian Doctorreported earlier this year that GPs had contacted the Federal Health Department about Podiatry Care Professionals (PCP) after becoming concerned that ineligible patients might be receiving Medicare-funded podiatry care. The company was offering various incentives —including plasma TVs — to participating aged care facilities.
In June, Medicare Australia confirmed it was investigating podiatry services in several Melbourne nursing homes, although it did not name the companies involved. Last month, PCP sent a letter to an aged care facility saying its health professionals and systems had been "vindicated" and had been given "a clean bill of health"by Medicare Australia after the company sought advice on its documentation and work practices.
In its letter to the aged care facility, PCP — also known as Carepro Allied Health — included a copy of recent Medicare correspondence as evidence it had been cleared of any wrong-doing. That correspondence advised no further action would be taken at this time after a routine review to ensure item numbers claimed reflected the service provided. When Australian Doctor contacted Medicare about the PCP letter, a spokeswoman indicated the inquiry into podiatry services in Melbourne nursing homes was ongoing, although it still would not name the companies or individuals involved.
The spokeswoman said it was standard practice to communicate with health care providers on compliance issues, for example, to clarify item descriptors or regulations.
"But the substance of such communication is a matter between Medicare Australiaand the provider; it is not intended to be [used as] advice for any other parties," she said.
PCP told Australian Doctor through their lawyers last week that it would be incorrect to suggest that all registered podiatrists associated with the company were the subject of continuing investigation by Medicare. One podiatrist was providing a self-assessment to Medicare Australiain relation to services provided to certain aged care facilities, the company said.
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