Charge auditing from a nursing perspective

Many third-party payors, which include commercial health and auto insurance companies and workmen's compensation carriers, are requesting access to their clients' itemized patient statements and medical records for verifying accuracy of charges and documentation of services rendered. If even a portion of the payment is withheld until the audit is completed, slowing of cash flow results. A slow cash flow may ultimately have profound effects on the quality, or even availability, of patient care. Hospitals are finding it cost effective to have someone within their institution audit patient accounts and medical records to identify problem areas that may result in denial of payment. Nurses are being recruited to perform these audits because of their knowledge of documentation standards and patient account charging procedures. With this background, the nurse auditor is also able to assess educational needs of the nursing staff and work collaboratively with other departments to correct deficiencies.