The Health ____ _______ Administration encouraged the use of statistical sampling in Medicare claims. Fill in the blanks.

The correct answer is "Health Care Financing Administration." The Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA), which was renamed the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in 2001, played a crucial role in establishing policies and guidelines for the Medicare and Medicaid programs. One of its significant initiatives was to encourage the use of statistical sampling in the auditing and review of Medicare claims.

Statistical sampling allows for a more efficient and effective means of assessing large volumes of claims by examining a representative subset rather than reviewing each claim individually. This method provides insights into compliance issues and helps to identify trends that may require further investigation. It can lead to better resource allocation and enhanced oversight within the Medicare system.

The other options do not represent the actual name of the administration that promoted these practices. While "Healthcare Financing" might seem like a close alternative, it is not the widely recognized name associated with the administration prior to its rebranding. Thus, understanding the full, correct name allows for better comprehension of historical and current healthcare compliance mechanisms.