Hold on to attestation documentation when preparing for a meaningful use audit

Why This Topic Matters

Meaningful use audits can affect incentive payments and trigger repayment or compliance exposure if documentation is incomplete or unsupported. Understanding the general documentation, security, and governance issues involved helps organizations prepare before an audit request arrives.

Article Sections

1. Audit activity and enforcement context

   Summarizes the audit environment for meaningful use attestation and the roles of CMS contractors, Medicaid offices, and the OIG. It also discusses the broader compliance and repayment context surrounding audit findings.

2. Supporting documentation

   Describes the categories of records organizations are expected to maintain for audit readiness. It focuses on documentation retention, response timing, and the general preparation process.

3. Information security

   Covers the intersection of audit readiness with information security oversight for EHR systems. It addresses risk assessment, system safeguards, and related documentation considerations.

4. Go beyond government audits

   Discusses internal review practices and broader documentation integrity concerns within organizations participating in incentive programs. It emphasizes self-audit planning and governance across HIM and related teams.