What does a contemporaneous review involve in compliance auditing?

A contemporaneous review in compliance auditing involves examining matters that have not yet been billed or paid. This type of review focuses on real-time assessment of activities and documentation to ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards before claims are submitted. It allows for the identification and correction of potential issues early in the process, which can help prevent improper payments and maintain adherence to healthcare regulations.

This proactive approach is vital in healthcare compliance as it addresses potential coding errors, documentation deficiencies, and other compliance concerns before they become problematic in the billing cycle. By auditing the healthcare services as they are being rendered, organizations can mitigate risks and improve compliance outcomes. This aspect makes contemporaneous review a crucial practice in preventing billing errors and ensuring that healthcare providers adhere to the guidelines set forth by governing bodies.