With the click of a mouse, physicians and other types of providers will now be able to self-disclose potential fraud, thanks to OIG's July 8 launch of an online self-disclosure form. The new form follows on the heels of OIG's April release of an updated provider self-disclosure protocol, which included guidance on how OIG calculates penalties for self-disclosing providers. 

The protocol establishes a process for providers to voluntarily identify and disclose potential cases of fraud involving federal health care programs, and offers guidance on how providers should investigate potential fraud and quantify potential damages. In general, providers who self-disclose face smaller penalties than would be the case if OIG initiated an investigation.