Tighten up documentation as wave of meaningful use audits crests

Why This Topic Matters

Meaningful use audit activity can affect incentive payments and compliance status, so organizations need to maintain organized evidence that supports attestation and related documentation requirements. Understanding the audit focus areas helps practices reduce avoidable denials, respond efficiently to requests, and strengthen internal compliance processes.

Article Sections

1. Meaningful use audit activity

   Introduces the rise in audit activity and the general compliance environment surrounding meaningful use attestation. Summarizes why providers are paying closer attention to documentation.

2. Chasing the payouts

   Discusses the broader program context behind increased audit volume and the operational pressures associated with audit requests. Covers timing, frequency, and the types of organizations being reviewed.

3. Big issue: Risk analysis

   Focuses on documentation support for security risk analysis and related compliance evidence. Also addresses organizational coordination and timing concerns that affect audit readiness.

4. Have proof of your exemptions

   Covers the need to document eligibility for claimed exemptions from certain meaningful use measures. Describes the importance of maintaining proof that supports those claims.

5. Back to basics

   Reviews general documentation practices for measures that rely on supporting evidence rather than simple electronic counts. Includes storage, retrieval, retention, and audit response considerations.