Strong internal auditing starts with knowing where to look. Whether you're building a new audit plan or refining an existing one, identifying the right opportunities is key to maximizing impact, improving compliance, and driving continuous improvement.
1. Review Past Audits
Examine previous audit results to identify recurring issues and patterns that indicate areas needing closer scrutiny.
Pro Tip: Audit Manager+ gives users the ability to apply element-specific scoring metrics that can be customized to focus on the current goals.
2. Conduct a Risk Assessment
Focus on high-impact areas. Risk assessments help prioritize which parts of your organization present the greatest risk or value.
3. Solicit Feedback from Staff
Engage frontline staff and department leaders to uncover pain points, gray areas, or dips in revenue that may warrant investigation.
4. Benchmark Against Industry Standards
Compare your internal processes to external benchmarks or competitor practices, but always do your own research before adopting others’ methods.
5. Follow the Data
Use data analytics to detect anomalies and patterns that deviate from the norm. Train at least one team member to analyze trends effectively.
Pro Tip: Audit Manager+ allows you to capture and report on every data element of a claim and view reported results right next to that data element.
6. Use Automation Where Possible
Implement auditing software that monitors and flags potential issues in real time, especially valuable in larger organizations.
Pro Tip: Audit Manager+ features rich, advanced checklist templates with automated rollup and tracking of each audit element within a checklist.
7. Reference the OIG Work Plan
Stay aligned with federal enforcement trends. If the OIG is auditing it, you should be too.
Pro Tip: Looking for proactive updates from the OIG? Our Resource Center features monthly expert insights with details you need to know.
8. Leverage Professional Networks
Tap into your peer network for ideas. Other organizations may be tackling similar issues in creative ways.
9. Incorporate Feedback (Patients and Providers)
Gather and include feedback from patients and providers to surface hidden issues and ensure audit relevance.
Ready to Elevate Your Auditing Program? Audit Manager+ Has You Covered.
From tackling diverse audit types with limited resources to customizing metrics, Audit Manager+ is your all-in-one platform built for modern healthcare auditing.
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