What is typically included in a report of audit findings?

A report of audit findings is a comprehensive document that outlines the results of the audit process, focusing on areas of compliance, quality of care, and financial accuracy. Typically, such a report will identify specific findings related to how well a healthcare practice adheres to regulations, coding accuracy, documentation requirements, and other standards. Among the key components of this report are recommendations for improvement and compliance.

These recommendations are vital because they provide actionable steps that the healthcare entity can take to enhance its operations, rectify issues found during the audit, and ensure future compliance with regulations and best practices. Such guidance helps practices to address deficiencies and improve their processes, which can ultimately lead to better patient care and reduced risk of financial penalties or audits in the future.

While patient complaints, recommendations for increased payment, and predictions for future trends may hold some relevance in specific contexts, they do not encapsulate the primary purpose of an audit findings report. Focusing on improvement and compliance aligns with the primary goal of audits: to identify areas for corrective action and enhance the overall quality and compliance of healthcare delivery.