The Comprehensive Error Rate Testing Program (CERT) was initiated in which year?

The Comprehensive Error Rate Testing Program (CERT) was initiated in 2001 as a means to collect data on the accuracy of Medicare claims. This program aims to improve the quality of service provided to Medicare beneficiaries by reviewing claims to ensure they comply with Medicare coverage, coding, and billing requirements. The establishment of the CERT program was a response to the need for a standardized approach to reduce improper payments and enhance the integrity of the Medicare system.

Its initiation in 2001 was significant, as this timeframe aligns with growing concerns regarding the prevalence of billing errors and fraud in healthcare, particularly in the Medicare program. By focusing on error rates, the CERT program has helped health care providers understand their billing practices and minimize future errors through education and compliance efforts. This context underscores the critical role the program plays in promoting accuracy and accountability within the Medicare system.