Recovery Audit Programs are a program created by Congress to identify improper Medicare payments and to fight fraud, waste, and abuse in the government program. Which statement best describes its primary purpose?

• A. To regulate hospital credentialing
• B. To manage provider enrollment
• C. Identify improper Medicare payments and fight fraud, waste, and abuse
• D. To set physician salaries

Answer: (C)

Recovery Audit Programs are focused on detecting and recouping improper Medicare payments and combating fraud, waste, and abuse within the program. Recovery Audit Contractors review claims after payment to find overpayments or errors, recover funds for CMS, and identify patterns that can prevent future mistakes. This purpose is distinct from regulating hospital credentialing, managing provider enrollment, or setting physician salaries, which involve different aspects of the healthcare system and payment processes. By flagging issues like duplicate billing, unbundling, or services not medically necessary, these programs strengthen program integrity and help ensure payments reflect proper services rendered.