Which of the following is a suggested question to narrow the scope of an audit?

The correct choice emphasizes the importance of understanding the scope of an audit, particularly in terms of the types of payment structures involved. When determining the scope of an audit, clarifying whether self-pay patients will be included is essential because it directly impacts the data set being analyzed. Including self-pay patients could reveal different patterns of care, billing practices, or outcomes compared to those covered by insurance.

Understanding the scope to include various payment situations allows auditors to assess billing practices comprehensively and ensures that the audit findings are accurate and applicable across different patient demographics. This consideration assists in identifying potential discrepancies and improving compliance with billing regulations.

The other options suggest limited focuses or miss key aspects of the audit scope. For instance, restricting the audit to hospital employees or focusing solely on administrative costs may overlook broader concerns regarding patient care or diverse patient payment methods. Disregarding follow-up care could lead to incomplete findings, as follow-up services are critical to evaluating overall care quality and financial practices. Therefore, option B is the most relevant and effective in narrowing the audit appropriately.