Electronic visit verification: Overview, definition, and example
What is electronic visit verification?
Electronic visit verification (EVV) is a technology-based system used to verify and document the delivery of in-home healthcare services. EVV records the details of visits made by healthcare providers to patients' homes, ensuring that the services were provided as scheduled. Typically, the system captures key data such as the time of arrival, time of departure, the caregiver’s identity, and the patient’s location, often using mobile devices or other electronic systems.
EVV is primarily used for services covered under Medicaid or other government-funded healthcare programs to ensure accountability, reduce fraud, and improve service delivery. It is designed to streamline the process of verifying home healthcare visits and enhance the accuracy and reliability of service documentation.
Why is electronic visit verification important?
Electronic visit verification is important because it helps ensure that home healthcare services are being provided as agreed and in compliance with regulatory requirements. It provides real-time verification of care delivery, which can help reduce errors, prevent fraud, and improve the quality of care. EVV systems also improve efficiency by automating the verification process, reducing paperwork, and ensuring that accurate records are maintained for billing and compliance purposes.
For healthcare providers, EVV systems help streamline operations and reduce the administrative burden associated with manual reporting and documentation. For patients, EVV enhances transparency and ensures that they receive the services they are entitled to. For government programs and insurers, EVV provides assurance that healthcare resources are being allocated appropriately and efficiently.
Understanding electronic visit verification through an example
Imagine a home healthcare provider delivering nursing care to a patient at home. The nurse arrives at the patient’s home and uses a mobile app to log into the EVV system, which records the time of arrival, the location, and the caregiver’s identity. During the visit, the nurse documents the care provided and then logs out, capturing the time of departure. This data is automatically uploaded to a secure database for verification, billing, and reporting purposes.
In another example, a caregiver visits a patient to assist with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing and dressing. The caregiver uses an electronic device to check in and out of the EVV system, ensuring that the visit is recorded. The EVV system also tracks the duration of the visit to ensure that it aligns with the approved care plan, helping the healthcare agency verify that the visit occurred as scheduled and report the correct billing to the payer.
An example of an electronic visit verification clause
Here’s how an electronic visit verification clause might appear in a contract or service agreement:
“The Service Provider agrees to use an Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) system to document all in-home visits for healthcare services provided to patients under this agreement. The EVV system shall capture the caregiver’s identity, time of arrival, time of departure, and patient location. The Service Provider shall ensure that all data recorded via the EVV system is accurate and submitted in a timely manner for billing and compliance purposes.”
Conclusion
Electronic visit verification is a crucial tool in the home healthcare industry, helping to ensure that services are provided as scheduled, documented accurately, and compliant with regulatory requirements. It improves transparency, reduces fraud, and enhances the efficiency of both healthcare providers and government programs. For all stakeholders, from patients to providers and regulators, EVV systems help create a more reliable and accountable framework for delivering home-based healthcare services.
This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Cobrief is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.