What is the main job of the Office of the Inspector General (OIG)?

The primary responsibility of the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) revolves around ensuring the integrity of healthcare programs such as Medicare and Medicaid by safeguarding them against fraud and abuse. This involves conducting audits, investigations, and evaluations related to the operations of these programs to detect and prevent fraudulent activities. The OIG plays a critical role in promoting efficiency and accountability within the healthcare system, making it essential to protect federal healthcare funds and uphold the quality of care provided to beneficiaries.

While the other options pertain to aspects of healthcare oversight or administration, they do not reflect the OIG's primary function. For example, provider licensure is typically managed by state-level licensing boards, patient complaints are generally handled by the providers themselves or separate consumer protection agencies, and payment policies for insurers are enforced by different entities, not specifically the OIG. Hence, the focus of the OIG's work is distinctly aligned with combating fraud and ensuring proper use of Medicare resources.