Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) is a system designed to ensure accountability and transparency in delivering Medicaid-funded home and community-based services. In this article, we'll look at how EVV works, why it was implemented, what it means for care recipients, and the benefits and challenges it brings.
Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) is a digital tool that captures specific details about home-based Medicaid services to verify that care is delivered as promised. The 21st Century Cures Act mandates that states must implement EVV for all Medicaid personal care services (PCS) and home health services (HHCS) that require an in-home visit by a provider.
EVV systems track elements of each visit, including the type of service performed, the recipient, dates of service, location, provider identity, and visit duration. By logging these details, EVV ensures that Medicaid-funded support reaches those who need it while helping prevent the misuse of funds and promoting accountability among care providers.
Before EVV was introduced, Medicaid-funded home and community-based care relied heavily on paper timesheets or manual logbooks to track healthcare visits. Care providers would record service details by hand, noting the date, time, and type of service on paper forms, which they would later submit for reimbursement.
This system made it difficult to verify that visits actually occurred as documented, creating opportunities for errors and even fraud. Without an easy way to cross-check records in real-time, program oversight was limited, and inaccuracies in reporting were common.
EVV was implemented to address these issues by automating and standardizing the process of tracking service visits. EVV has helped reduce fraud, improve the accuracy of records, and increase transparency.
Now, EVV benefits Medicaid programs through cost savings, helping providers streamline reporting, and giving beneficiaries confidence that their care is consistently monitored and accounted for.
There are several types of EVV systems that states and service providers can choose from, each offering different levels of control and customization.
Each type of system may use a range of technologies—such as GPS, mobile apps on a smart device, or landline telephony—to track the required visit details.
A Medicaid beneficiary will begin using EVV once they're approved for a Medicaid waiver that requires EVV for in-home or community-based services. Their case manager or care coordinator typically introduces the EVV requirements and training. Case managers will also offer ongoing support, remaining available to address any questions or technical issues with EVV as the beneficiary begins receiving care.
Privacy and security are important considerations with EVV, as the system collects personal details about a person's care, location, and provider. People might feel uneasy knowing that their visits are tracked, especially if they're concerned about their privacy. To address these concerns, EVV systems are designed to comply with HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) rules, which set standards for keeping health information private and secure. Medicaid and care providers take additional steps to protect this sensitive information, such as using encryption to secure data and restricting access to only those who need it. This way, EVV can ensure that both quality care and personal privacy are maintained.
For care recipients, EVV brings increased transparency and accountability to the care they receive. By ensuring that caregivers and care workers log important details accurately, EVV promotes consistent, reliable care that Medicaid can verify.
However, people may feel uneasy about being tracked or find new technology stressful. Some may worry that the system could intrude on their privacy or complicate their care experience.
To help address this, many states are working on making EVV systems more accessible, including providing alternative options for people with disabilities or those who prefer not to use digital tools.
Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) is important to maintain the quality and integrity of Medicaid-funded Personal Care and home health services. EVV service systems are making ongoing improvements in accessibility to find a balance between comprehensive program oversight and compassionate care.
