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Hospice Audit Updates: UPICs May Pick You for a Prepayment Review

2026-05-06 · 15:00 UTC ·Husch Blackwell ·0 min read

Brief

Hospice providers face growing audit risk in this short Husch Blackwell presentation. Hosts Bryan Nowicki and Zaina Niles (May 6, 2026) explain that UPICs—previously post-payment reviewers—have joined MACs in conducting prepayment reviews over the last six months, and they outline typical procedures, records requested, and likely operational impacts for selected hospices.

Why it matters

Over the past six months (as of May 2026), Unified Program Integrity Contractors (UPICs) have begun conducting prepayment reviews of hospice claims in addition to their historical post-payment audits.

Key details

  • In the May 6, 2026 Husch Blackwell episode, Bryan Nowicki and Zaina Niles explain what hospices can expect if a UPIC selects them, including prepayment documentation requests, potential claim holds or payment delays, and increased scrutiny similar to Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) prepayment activity.
Source evidence

Hospice providers remain under heavy scrutiny, with prepayment audit and other audit activity on the rise. Unified Program Integrity Contractors (UPICs) historically conducted post-payment reviews. However, over the last six months, they have joined Medicare Administrative Contractors in reviewing claims on a prepayment basis. In this episode, Husch Blackwell’s Bryan Nowicki (https://www.huschblackwell.com/professionals/bryan-nowicki) and Zaina Niles (https://www.huschblackwell.com/professionals/zaina-niles) discuss this new type of UPIC audit and what your hospice can expect if a UPIC picks you.

Channel: Husch Blackwell
Published: 2026-05-06
Video URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96KByWdBzGU