Which year should an auditor use for a codebook to audit a chart?

In medical auditing, it is essential to use the codebook that corresponds to the year in which the services were rendered. This is crucial for accurately evaluating the documentation and ensuring that the coding reflects the medical services provided at that specific time. Each year, coding guidelines and codes may change, and using the correct codebook for the year of service helps to maintain compliance with regulations and ensures that the audit is based on the most relevant coding practices at the time the healthcare services were delivered.

Using the codebook that aligns with the year services were rendered allows auditors to properly assess whether the codes assigned to the documentation were appropriate and in accordance with that year's guidelines. This practice also supports accurate reimbursement processes, as payers expect claims to reflect the codes valid for the service dates.

The other options fall short because they either do not align with the correct service year or do not consider the specific regulations that apply to that year. For example, using the current year might not reflect the correct coding rules in effect during the time of the service, while the year the records were created could differ from the service year, leading to potential inaccuracies in auditing practices.