What is the first step an auditor should take when performing a baseline E/M audit for a physician group?

In the context of performing a baseline Evaluation and Management (E/M) audit for a physician group, the initial step is to run a utilization report of E/M services. This process is critical because it provides a comprehensive overview of the frequency and types of E/M services billed by the physician group. By examining this data, the auditor can identify trends, patterns, and potential discrepancies in service utilization, which establishes a foundational understanding of the group's coding practices.

With this information, the auditor can effectively assess whether the level of E/M services being billed corresponds with the clinical documentation and practice patterns observed in patient files. This step is essential to identify areas needing further investigation, such as unusual billing patterns or potential overcoding or undercoding issues.

The other options, while valuable in the auditing process, follow after this initial analysis. Examining patient file documentation is more effective once trends have been identified. Conducting interviews with physicians serves to clarify findings or gather insights into practice patterns but relies on a baseline understanding first. Reviewing coding compliance training materials can help ensure adherence to guidelines but is a support step rather than a foundational one.