What is the goal of auditing during the revenue cycle management process?

The goal of auditing during the revenue cycle management process is centered on ensuring accurate coding and billing practices. This is crucial because correct coding and billing directly affect both the revenue generated and compliance with regulations. Audits help identify errors or discrepancies in coding that could lead to denied claims or reimbursement delays. By maintaining precision in these areas, healthcare organizations can better manage their financial resources, mitigate the risk of audits from payers, and ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.

While lowering operational costs, increasing the number of services billed, and enhancing patient intake procedures can all be beneficial for a healthcare organization's efficiency and profitability, they do not specifically address the critical need for accurate representation of services provided through proper coding and billing. Accurate coding is foundational to the revenue cycle, making it vital to the auditing process.