VGMHealthcare MSO
Full Menu Search

Preparing for Increased Audit Activity: How VGM Group and The van Halem Group Can Help

Published in VGM Government Relations on September 02, 2026

The recent HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) report on DMEPOS fraud signals that CMS is likely to increase oversight activities across the industry. The report calls for enhanced supplier enrollment screening, more aggressive medical reviews, expanded use of artificial intelligence and data analytics, greater physician order verification, and increased scrutiny of supplier ownership and billing practices.  

While these initiatives are designed to identify and remove bad actors, legitimate providers should be prepared for a heightened audit and compliance environment. 

Be Prepared Before an Audit Occurs 

Now is the time for providers to evaluate their compliance programs and documentation processes. Key areas to review include: 

  • Medicare enrollment records 
  • Ownership and organizational disclosures 
  • Clinical documentation requirements 
  • Proof-of-delivery procedures 
  • Physician orders and medical necessity records 
  • Internal compliance monitoring and auditing activities 

A proactive approach can help reduce audit risk and improve outcomes when documentation requests arise. 

Leverage VGM Group and The van Halem Group Resources 

VGM Group members have access to industry-leading compliance expertise through The van Halem Group, one of the most respected regulatory and audit consulting organizations in the DMEPOS industry. 

Resources available to members include: 

  • Audit readiness assessments 
  • Mock audits and compliance reviews 
  • Documentation and medical necessity guidance 
  • Medicare enrollment and revalidation support 
  • Appeals assistance and audit response strategies 
  • Webinars, educational programs, and compliance training 
  • Regulatory updates and audit trend analysis 

Whether facing an ADR, TPE review, UPIC investigation, SMRC audit, or other contractor review, expert guidance can help providers respond efficiently and confidently. 

Learn from Emerging Audit Trends 

As CMS deploys more advanced analytics and fraud detection tools, providers will need to maintain strong documentation practices and compliance controls. VGM Group and The van Halem Group continuously monitor regulatory developments and emerging audit targets, providing members with practical guidance and actionable insights to stay ahead of changing requirements. 

Moving Forward Together 

The DMEPOS industry supports efforts to combat fraud and protect the Medicare program. As oversight intensifies, VGM Group will continue to advocate for policies that appropriately target fraudulent activity while protecting patient access and reducing unnecessary burdens on compliant providers. 

By taking advantage of VGM Group's advocacy, education, and compliance resources, along with the specialized expertise of The van Halem Group, members can strengthen their organizations, reduce risk, and remain focused on what matters most: delivering high-quality care and service to the patients they serve. 

From Our Experts

Full Legislative Text Released for Bipartisan Ostomy and Urological Supply Bill- H.R. 10787 thumbnail Full Legislative Text Released for Bipartisan Ostomy and Urological Supply Bill- H.R. 10787 Representatives Brad Schneider (IL-10) and Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03) have introduced the bipartisan Access to Medical Supplies Act, legislation designed to protect Medicare beneficiaries who rely on ostomy and urological supplies. The bill would... Action Alert: Support H.R. 10787 to Protect Patient Access to Urological and Ostomy Supplies thumbnail Action Alert: Support H.R. 10787 to Protect Patient Access to Urological and Ostomy Supplies The DMEPOS community has an important opportunity to protect access to vital urological and ostomy supplies for Medicare beneficiaries. Rep. Greg Murphy (R-NC) and Rep. Brad Schneider (D-IL) have introduced H.R. 10787, bipartisan legislation that would amend Title XVIII of the Social Security Act to exclude urological and ostomy supplies from Medicare competitive acquisition programs for five years... CMS Announces Registration and Bid Window Dates for Round 2028 of the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program thumbnail CMS Announces Registration and Bid Window Dates for Round 2028 of the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program Yesterday, CMS announced the Round 2028 bidding details with registration opening December 1, 2026, and the bid window opening January 5, 2027. The new Round 2028 timeline is as follows... Congratulations to CAMPS On This Important Legislative Victory thumbnail Congratulations to CAMPS On This Important Legislative Victory The signing of AB 1794 is another reminder of the critical role state associations play in shaping healthcare policy, removing barriers to patient care, and ensuring providers have a seat at the table when important decisions are made. Legislative successes like this do not happen by accident. They are the result of engaged members, strong advocacy efforts, and collaboration with policymakers to address real-world challenges facing providers and the patients they serve. S.247, Choices for Increased Mobility Act of 2025, Passes U.S. Senate thumbnail S.247, Choices for Increased Mobility Act of 2025, Passes U.S. Senate S.247, Choices for Increased Mobility Act of 2025 has passed in the Senate through unanimous consent. It now heads to the President to be signed into law. Introduced in the Senate by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), The Choices for Increased Mobility Act of 2025 would... August Recess Recap: Building Relationships, Advancing Advocacy thumbnail August Recess Recap: Building Relationships, Advancing Advocacy As Congress worked through the August recess, the VGM Government Relations team remained actively engaged in securing meetings and building relationships with legislators, candidates, and key congressional staff across the country. This summer, the team made a strategic decision to focus getting a strong balance between Republican and Democratic offices, recognizing the importance of broadening support for DMEPOS priorities and ensuring policymakers from both parties understand the challenges.. Introducing Patient Voices: Access to HME Matters thumbnail Introducing Patient Voices: Access to HME Matters The VGM Government Relations team is excited to announce Patient Voices: Access to HME Matters, a new way for patients, providers, vendors, caregivers, and industry partners to share their experiences with home medical equipment. Every story matters. AAHomecare Survey Results of RID Program thumbnail AAHomecare Survey Results of RID Program Thank you to AAHomecare for initiating this important survey demonstrating the significant risks to the DMEPOS industry should Remote Item Delivery Competitive Bid Program (RID CBP) Round 2028 move forward as is. VGM Group is proud to support the survey efforts to maximize provider participation. See below for the survey summary and analysis.