During a focused audit, which of the following is NOT typically a resource required?

In the context of a focused audit, the resources typically required include tools and guidelines that help in assessing the accuracy and compliance of medical billing and coding practices. Audit software is essential for analyzing large sets of data efficiently, allowing auditors to identify discrepancies or patterns that may necessitate further investigation. Surgery audit tools are specifically designed to evaluate surgical procedures against the applicable coding guidelines and documentation requirements, which facilitates focused and thorough analysis in that specialty area. Insurance carrier rules provide critical information regarding coverage, coding guidelines, and reimbursement requirements that auditors must consider when evaluating claims.

Personal notes from the provider, while potentially informative, are not typically considered a standard resource required for conducting a focused audit. These notes might contain subjective interpretations or insights of the provider but do not serve as official documentation or a standardized resource to support the auditing process. Instead, auditors are expected to rely on established guidelines, software, and tools that have objective criteria to ensure consistent and accurate audits. Hence, the absence of personal provider notes as a required resource is both logical and aligned with best auditing practices.