Comprehensive Error Rate Testing Review Contractor

The CERT program calculates improper payment rates based on the results of the reviews conducted. These rates include an overall national Medicare FFS improper payment rate and improper payment rates for each claim type [Part A inpatient hospital prospective payment system (PPS); Part A excluding inpatient hospital PPS; Part B; and durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS)]. The CERT program ensures a statistically valid random sample; therefore, the improper payment rate calculated from this sample is considered to be reflective of all of claims processed by Medicare FFS program during the report period. CMS also uses the CERT program to perform special studies to determine the improper payment rates of particular claim types. Calculations of these rates facilitate CMS' ability to take appropriate corrective actions to reduce improper payments.