How many charts does the OIG recommend per physician when conducting an annual compliance audit?

The OIG (Office of Inspector General) recommends conducting an annual compliance audit by reviewing a selection of 5-10 random charts per physician. This recommendation is based on the need for a balanced approach that ensures a comprehensive yet manageable review process. By choosing 5-10 charts, auditors can obtain a representative sample of a physician's documentation, coding practices, and compliance with regulations without overwhelming the auditing process.

This range is sufficient to identify trends and potential issues in documentation or coding while still being practical for most healthcare practices to implement on an annual basis. The emphasis on random selection also helps mitigate bias and enables a more accurate picture of the physician's overall compliance with applicable regulations and guidelines.