Instructions for Using the System for Tracking Audit and

350 - Instructions for Using the System for Tracking Audit and Reimbursement (STAR) (Rev. 128; Issued: 07-13-07; Effective: 10-01-06; Implementation: 08-13-07) A. General The STAR is an automated system developed for the purpose of tracking the Medicare cost reporting process. STAR captures historical and current Medicare provider information for each cost report. The STAR User's Manual serves as the contractor's instructions for implementing the program functions within the STAR system. The CMS created the STAR Alert newsletter to clarify instructions in the STAR User's Manual and the intermediary manual pertaining to output reports created by STAR. The STAR Alert is issued several times a year and addresses concerns about various audit issues that may arise during the fiscal year (FY). B. STAR Time System (Not required by the MACs) • All FIs must use the Time System; • The FI enters time spent by employees on a particular administrative function, e.g., desk reviews, field audits, and settlements, in accordance with the STAR User's Manual; and C. Required Fields in STAR The FI completes the following screens, with their corresponding fields, in the STAR program to ensure that all providers are properly documented in the system and that the resulting reports and/or records are current and accurate: 1. Screen Number 1 Provider Number Change of Ownership (COO) Code (assigned by system) Long Name Short Name Provider Address Provider Type Control Type Tax Number Chain Number and Name (If Applicable) Certification Date Tie-In Date Tie-Out date and reason (If Applicable) Previous FI (if Known) Transferred to FI (if Known) Office Codes 2. Screen Number 2 Default Address 3. Screen Number 3 Interim Payment Pay Method Periodic Interim Payment In and Out Dates 4. Screen Number 4 Cost Report Due Cost Report Received Cost Report Rejected Refiled Cost Report Received Desk Review Completed Problem Resolution/Onsite/Audit (POA) Status Code POA Start POA Complete Suspension by CMS Reason of Suspension Audit/No Audit Hours Audit/Travel Hours Audit/Travel Costs FI Hearing Start FI Hearing Complete Provider Reimbursement Review Board (PRRB) Hearing Start PRRB Hearing Complete Tentative Date Bill Date (If Applicable) Amount Approved 5. Screen Number 5 FY Start (If not a full year) Fiscal Year End Last Audited Beds Appeal Cost Low/No Utilization As Filed Reimbursement Cost (All providers except Home Office (HO)) Total Cost (HO only) 6. Screen Number 6 Complete screen with DRGs, pass-thrus, and cost-based amounts for all PPS hospitals and their excluded units (provider types 05,06, and 08), finalized after 10/1/90. Reopening information is required only if the Notice of Change-Program Reimbursement (NOC-PR) is within same fiscal year as the original NPR. 7. Screen Number 7 PPS/Exempt/Waiver (PEW) Code 1234 Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) Area (9999 if Rural--only Rural codes must be entered) 8. Screen 8 Finalized and Reopenings Patient Days/Visits Title 18 Days/Visits Sequestration Reimbursement Cost (All Providers except HO) Total Cost (HO only) Interim Payments TEFRA Incentive Notice of Program Reimbursement/Notice of Correction-Program Reimbursement Reopening Letter Date Reopening Reason STAR Time Codes The STAR Time System is mandated because time recorded in the STAR Time System for providers is used by CASR, CRS and CPEP programs. Time codes are stored in each user's lookup.dbf file. D. Required Output Records in STAR The FI produces the following output records using STAR: 1. Hearing and Reopening Log. Due Upon request from Central Office (CMS). 2. Tentative Settlement Logs. Due upon request from CMS. 3. Hearing and Reopening Aging Report. Due upon request from CMS. 4. Cost Report Settlement Log (CRSXXXXX.DBF, where X is the FI's five digit contractor number). 5. PRRB Negative Savings Audit Trail. Due upon request from CMS. 6. Other Files as requested by CMS.