08/27/2026
Did you know?
CMS estimated that 6.55% of Medicare Fee-for-Service payments were improper in fiscal year 2025, representing approximately $28.83 billion.
An improper payment does not automatically indicate fraud. It means the payment did not meet one or more CMS requirements. Missing, insufficient, or unsupported documentation is one reason a payment may be classified as improper.
For medical practices and billing teams, the takeaway is simple: clear documentation supports accurate claims. Review documentation requirements before submission and resolve missing information early.
Source: CMS Fiscal Year 2025 Improper Payments Fact Sheet