Upon noticing a drop in the Medicare case-mix index, what type of coding quality review should the CFO perform?

When there is a noticeable drop in the Medicare case-mix index, a focused audit is the most appropriate type of coding quality review to conduct.

A focused audit allows the CFO to concentrate specifically on areas that show discrepancies or declines, such as the coding practices related to Medicare cases. This method is beneficial because it targets the exact issues that could be affecting the case-mix index, rather than conducting a broad review that might not provide the necessary insights into the specific problem area.

By honing in on the Medicare cases, the CFO can identify any coding errors, verify compliance with coding guidelines, and assess the accuracy of the documentation that supports the coding decisions. This targeted approach can lead to more effective solutions for improving the case-mix index and ensuring that the organization is receiving appropriate reimbursement levels.

In contrast, other types of audits may not provide the same level of specificity needed to address the decline in the case-mix index effectively. For instance, an internal audit may cover a wide range of coding practices, while a comprehensive audit could also be too broad for the immediate issue at hand. A random sample audit, while useful in various auditing contexts, would not offer the focused inspection necessary to understand the specific reasons behind a drop in the Medicare case-m