What authority has CMS contractors been given?

The correct response indicates that CMS contractors have the authority to interview providers and office personnel. This authority is part of the responsibilities assigned to these contractors to ensure compliance with Medicare regulations and to facilitate the auditing process. By interviewing providers and staff, they can gather crucial information regarding coding practices, billing processes, and overall compliance with Medicare policies. This interaction helps to maintain the integrity of the Medicare program by ensuring that services being billed are appropriate and compliant with federal regulations.

Choosing this answer reflects an understanding of the auditing process that CMS contractors engage in, which often involves direct communication with healthcare providers to clarify practices and identify any areas of concern. This function is vital for maintaining proper oversight and ensuring that the healthcare services billed to Medicare are delivered according to standards.

Other options, while they may seem plausible, do not accurately reflect the specific authorities granted to CMS contractors. For instance, requesting documentation directly from patients or handling patient claims are typically not actions taken by contractors under CMS guidelines. Likewise, while audits are conducted, conducting surgery audits directly falls outside the scope of what CMS contractors are authorized to do in terms of engaging with healthcare providers and ensuring compliance.