What Is OIG Screening and Why Is It Necessary?

OIG screening is the act of screening individuals and entities against the Office of Inspector General's (OIG) List of Excluded Individuals and Entities (LEIE) to see if they are excluded from participation in federally supported healthcare programs including Medicare and Medicaid. This list consists of individuals or entities found guilty of a crime like healthcare fraud, abuse of a patient, or license termination.

OIG screening is required to meet federal requirements and safeguard healthcare organizations from financial and legal consequences. Hiring or contracting with an excluded party can lead to hefty civil monetary penalties, program disqualification, and loss of reputation. Periodic screening enables healthcare providers to uphold the integrity of their services, steer clear of unintentional violations, and prove to be proactive in compliance.