What is a key function of the CMS policies in the context of MUE?

The key function of the CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) policies in the context of MUE (Medically Unlikely Edits) is to ensure correct coding and billing practices. MUEs are established by CMS to prevent payment for services that are unlikely to be medically necessary based on statistical validation. This function serves to uphold the integrity of billing practices by allowing for the identification and prevention of improper payments that could stem from coding errors or billing for services that should not be paid under the Medicare program.

By implementing MUEs, CMS not only aims to protect the financial sustainability of government healthcare programs but also ensures that healthcare providers adhere to compliance requirements and coding standards. This process fosters accountability within the revenue cycle and promotes accurate billing, reducing the risk of audits or claims denials.

While other choices focus on different aspects of healthcare practices, they do not align with the specific role of CMS policies related to MUE. Patient education and marketing strategies fall outside the scope of coding and billing regulations, and pricing establishment is handled through different frameworks and methodologies, separate from MUE guidelines.