Electronic visit verification

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Electronic visit verification (EVV) is a system used in the United States to confirm that home health visits actually happen and to prevent fraud. Under the 21st Century Cures Act, as of January 1, 2020, home care agencies that provide personal care services must have an EVV system, or their Medicaid payments could be denied. The federal rules specify the data that must be verified, but how EVV is set up is decided by each state.

EVV helps ensure that services billed match the visits and care delivered. The move toward EVV grew after the 2010 Affordable Care Act, which urged states to curb fraud and stop improper Medicaid payments. Some states created offices to fight Medicaid fraud, and many started using EVV.

Some states were early adopters. Illinois required EVV for home services in 2014. Texas required EVV for all home health visits billed to the state by 2015. Ohio began implementing EVV for 2016 with expected savings. Other states, like Louisiana, Alaska, and Tennessee, use EVV but do not require it.

EVV is used beyond government programs too. Employers use it to verify where workers are, track hours, and ensure payroll matches hours worked. It helps prevent health care fraud such as false claims to insurers or Medicaid.

How EVV works: many systems use GPS to verify location and computer software to log visits. Some systems rely on phone check-ins. Many EVV products are cloud-based and connect with mobile apps to schedule, bill, track payroll, communicate, and document patient care. Nurses can update patient records and record hours from their mobile devices. Some providers offer telephone-based verification systems as well.