If you’ve been involved with Medicaid-funded in-home care in the last few years, you’ve likely heard of the term “Electronic Verification Visit,” or EVV. As ordered by the 21st Century Cures Act, the use of EVV is now required for “all Medicaid-funded personal care services (PCS) and home health services (HHCS) that require an in-home visit by a provider.” 

Meant to lower levels of healthcare fraud and waste, EVV works by ensuring accountability and transparency in home- and community-based care. But what exactly is EVV and how does it work in New York?

What Is Electronic Verification Visit (EVV)?

Electronic Verification Visit, or EVV, is a system designed to electronically verify the occurrence of home- and community-based service visits. It ensures that individuals authorized to receive these services indeed receive the expected care.

Going beyond traditional methods of documentation, EVV uses technological devices and systems to verify when and where a caregiver provides care to an individual in need. This not only streamlines record-keeping but also offers a real-time view of the care being delivered.

From mobile applications to specialized devices, EVV utilizes a range of tools to collect and transmit data securely. These tools are used to collect a wide range of data, including the date of the visit, the location of the visit, the type of service provided, and more.

For instance, let’s say Sara is a recipient of personal assistant services under the Consumer Directed Personal Assistant Program. Her assistant, Jenny, is required to use an EVV system to report information about each visit. Using a reporting tool, such as an EVV app on her smartphone, Jenny would clock in when she arrives at Sara’s home, document the type of service provided, and then clock out when she leaves.

Collecting this data is essential for keeping accurate records and making sure individuals get the right care for their specific needs. In other words, Electronic Verification Visit (EVV) systems play a crucial role in in-home care funded by Medicaid by making it easier to document and confirm that care is reaching those who need it.

Why Is EVV Important?

For states, having an EVV system is necessary to avoid the consequences of non-compliance. As the 21st Century Cures Act declares, states that fail to implement an Electronic Verification Visit system could lose up to one percent of their federal Medicaid funding. 

Beyond it being federally required, though, EVV does provide important advantages. Here are just a few ways it’s been invaluable:

Real-Time Verification of Visits

EVV ensures that each visit is verified in real-time, capturing essential details such as the date, location, type of service provided, and the individuals involved in delivering and receiving services. This real-time tracking enhances accountability and transparency, contributing to a system where caregivers can provide the right care at the right time.

Validation of Work Hours

For home health employees, accurately validating work hours is crucial. EVV streamlines this process by accurately recording the duration of service provided. This ensures that caregivers are compensated fairly for their efforts while also facilitating optimal work schedules and efficient resource allocation.

Reduction of Billing Data Entry Errors

Another significant advantage of EVV is that it reduces the likelihood of errors associated with manual data input, leading to more accurate billing processes. This not only saves time but also minimizes financial discrepancies, creating a more efficient billing system.

Cost Reduction via Paperless Processes

EVV also offers cost-saving benefits by eliminating the dependence on traditional paper billing and payroll systems. By transitioning to digital processes, healthcare providers can significantly reduce administrative burdens associated with paper-based systems. This aligns with eco-friendly sustainability goals while delivering tangible financial savings.

Combating Fraud, Waste, and Abuse

By providing a comprehensive and real-time record of care delivery, EVV helps identify and prevent fraudulent activities. This proactive approach safeguards the integrity of healthcare services, ensuring that resources are directed towards those who genuinely need them.

How Does Electronic Verification Visit (EVV) Work in New York?

While the EVV mandate requires all states to establish an Electronic Verification Visit system for home care, it lets states determine the specific methods for collecting and reporting EVV data. Let’s walk through how EVV works in New York.

EVV is used by specific service programs in the home, including:

• Personal care services from a licensed home health care agency
• Consumer directed personal assistance services
• Home health services from a certified home health care agency

During each visit, caregivers or assistants will employ EVV to report the required information:

• The date of the visit
• The time the visit starts and ends
• The type of service provided during the visit
• The name of the caregiver who provides services during the visit  
• The name of the individual receiving the services
• The location of the visit

For the protection of your private information, the location reported will be limited to the general terms “home” or “community,”’ rather than specific addresses.

In New York, how caregivers report the information is chosen by the provider. For instance, caregivers and personal assistants that work with us, Consumer Directed Choices, use an EVV system called CareTime. The most common reporting methods and tools are:

• Mobile app on a smartphone or tablet
• A fixed object, known as a fob, placed in the home
• A telephone (typically a landline), assuming the patient has allowed its use

All in all, the use of an EVV system works to increase transparency, accuracy, and efficiency while safeguarding the privacy and confidentiality of individuals receiving care. By accurately tracking services and adhering to Medicaid regulations, EVV benefits both caregivers and recipients, ensuring high-quality and compliant delivery of care.

Ensuring Better Service For You and Your Caregiver

When it comes to Medicaid-funded in-home care services, understanding the nuances of Electronic Verification Visit is crucial for caregivers and those receiving care. At Consumer Directed Choices, we recognize the significance of this technology in streamlining care processes for CDPAP consumers in New York State. As a fiscal intermediary, our mission is to enhance the overall service experience for both consumers and caregivers.

If you have questions or need more information on how EVV works and its impact on your care, we’re here to help. Contact us today and someone on our team will be happy to answer any questions you have.