Advocacy & Practice Updates — Advocacy & Practice
ASRS Actively Engaged with CMS on Audit Concerns — Respond Promptly to Any SMRC Requests
ASRS, in collaboration with AAO continues to advocate for clarity from CMS regarding recent audit recommendations issued by the Office of Inspector General (OIG). We have expressed concern over the OIG’s suggestion to conduct audits and recover overpayments, citing a lack of clear billing guidance and the limited sample size used in the report.
ASRS is currently working to schedule a meeting with CMS to address these issues directly and ensure that retina specialists are not unfairly penalized due to ambiguous billing standards.
What You Should Do Now
In the meantime, ASRS is aware that members are receiving documentation requests from the Noridian Supplemental Medical Review Contractor (SMRC). If you receive such a request — from Noridian or any government agency — please notify ASRS so we can track and support these cases.
More importantly, we urge you to take the following steps to protect your practice:
- Review all claims carefully before submitting your response to ensure accuracy.
- Respond clearly and concisely to the specific questions asked. Avoid including unnecessary information.
- Maintain a detailed log of all correspondence related to the audit.
- Retain copies of all submitted documentation.
- Follow SMRC instructions precisely, including any required formats or transmission methods.
ASRS remains committed to supporting its members and ensuring fair treatment in the audit process. Your vigilance and communication are essential as we continue to advocate on your behalf.
(Published 9.16.25)